Page 27 - IFV Issue 1 January 2026

Lifestyle

The Artist and His Audience
Much of Bernie’s work is commissioned.
He works closely with clients to ensure
each piece reflects both their vision
and his interpretation. “Every sculpture
is a collaboration,” he says. “It’s about
creating something meaningful – a
fusion of what they want to express and
what I see in the subject.”
This partnership with patrons has
made his art not just admired but lived
with. His bronzes aren’t static décor;
they are living presences – guardians
of memory and emotion, caught mid-
motion.
The Enduring Spirit of Bronze conservationists across the world.
A Tribute in Bronze From a boy moulding clay on a farm to a Bernie’s Craig stands as a reminder of
Bernie’s latest commission takes him master sculptor shaping bronze, Bernie the deep connection between humans
beyond the animal kingdom and into van der Vyver’s journey is one of quiet and the wild, and of the responsibility
human history: a San bushman poised persistence and profound respect – for we carry to protect it.
in a traditional hunting stance, bow in nature, for his craft, and for the stories Through his hands, the African
hand. “The San people are known for that art can preserve. wilderness becomes eternal – each
their respectful hunting ways,” he says. His sculptures don’t just capture form; piece a reminder that beauty, when
“It’s an honour to represent that. I’ve they capture spirit. Among his most forged with care and intention, can
been studying their traditions carefully moving recent works is Craig – a life- outlast us all.
so I can portray them accurately and sized bronze tribute to one of Kenya’s Follow Bernie’s work or connect
respectfully. This isn’t just a sculpture – legendary tuskers, an elephant whose with him at facebook.com/bernie.
it’s a tribute.” wisdom and presence have inspired vandervyver.

The Villager • January/February 2026 • 25