Page 47 - Waterfall City Issue 10 October 2023

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/

Waterfall City Issue 10 2023 45