Page 47 - Waterfall City Issue 10 October 2023
P. 47

His bronze
                                                                                               sculptures, alive
                                                                                                with the spirit

                                                                                                of the African
                                                                                             wilderness, narrate
                                                                                               tales of beauty,

                                                                                                 survival and
                                                                                              natural harmony
        B      ernie van der Vyver’s artistic
               journey began in the heart
               of Bethal, Mpumalanga,
               in 1969. He grew up on an
        expansive farm where, from an early
        age, pencils, paper and clay became
        his trusted companions. This early
        immersion in the arts and in nature
        laid the foundation for his career as
        an artist whose bronze masterpieces
        would reflect the spirit of the wild.

        “Growing up on a farm in Bethal was
        really special,” recalls Bernie. “Animals                               His sculptures are exhibited in galleries
        and nature always surrounded me. I                                      and museums across South Africa,
        loved collecting pictures of all kinds                                  Europe and the United States. They
        of creatures. I studied their form and                                  are celebrated for their realistic beauty
        movement, and started drawing them.                                     and the underlying message of wildlife
        This was how I first got into art. I think                              conservation.
        that being around so much wildlife
        sparked my love for nature and art.”                                    Bernie has certainly come full circle
                                                                                since his childhood days moulding clay
        Bernie applied a steady hand and a                                      on a Bethal farm. Now a master bronze
        creative mind to his work. Soon, his art                                sculptor, his journey attests to his
        evolved, going beyond those youthful                                    dedication and love for both his craft
        sketches and clay models. He ventured                                   and his surroundings.
        into the intricate and complex world
        of bronze sculpture, honing his skills to   Bernie finds his muse in nature. He   Bernie is more than an artist; he’s a
        create hyper-realistic representations of   visits our national parks and wildlife   storyteller. His bronze sculptures, alive
        wild animals. He began exhibiting his   reserves on a regular basis, immersing   with the spirit of the African wilderness,
        work, his obvious talent increasingly   himself in the world of his subjects.   narrate tales of beauty, survival and
        drawing the attention of discerning art   These field trips serve as his study   natural harmony. As a result, his works
        lovers and critics.                 sessions: he uses wildlife photography   are sought-after both here and abroad.
                                            as a reference point for what he is
        Bernie’s sculptures are often custom-  about to create. His love for the natural   Don’t miss Part 2 in the next issue!
        made. Working closely with clients, he   world is palpable in every crevice and
        ensures that each piece aligns with their   curve of his bronze creations.   You can follow Bernie’s extraordinary
        vision and his artistic interpretation.                                 journey and explore more of his work
        This collaborative approach guarantees   These masterpieces have left an imprint   on his Facebook page. You can also
        that each piece is a unique fusion of the   on the global art scene and have shaped   connect and get in touch with Bernie
        client’s desire and the artist’s expression.   people’s perceptions of wildlife.   on LinkedIn.
               https://www.facebook.com/bernie.vandervyver   |   https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernie-van-der-vyver-1b725bb2/


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