Page 30 - Waterfall City Issue 11 November 2023

Waterfall City Arts and Crafts

BERNIE VAN DER VYVER’S

ARTISTIC PROCESS

L ast month, we explored the life and work of artist and
sculptor Bernie van der Vyver. We traced the origins
of his love for art and nature which stemmed from
a childhood spent in Bethal, Mpumalanga. Over
time, Bernie developed a passion for working with bronze
“for its strength and longevity”. He began using it to craft
aesthetic representations of the African wilderness.

We delve deeper into Bernie’s artistic
process and find out what inspires and
challenges him.

Q: What were the initial
materials you used to
create your artworks?
A: I used simple things like pencils,
paper and clay. These materials were
easy to use and helped me express my
ideas.

Q: How were you introduced Q: Is this why you
to bronze sculptures? choose to sculpt in
A: Everything changed when I saw the bronze?
bronze sculptures of Coert Steynberg A: Yes. I love the way bronze pieces stand the
and Jo Roos at an exhibition in Knysna. test of time. Unlike drawings or clay models,
Their work was unique. They had a way bronze sculptures don’t fade or change over
of making their subjects in bronze look time. They keep their beauty for many years.
incredibly real and full of life. The way
they managed to craft such vivid, lifelike Q: Why is this endurance so
subjects in bronze was mesmerising. appealing to you?
Their works didn’t just look real; they felt A: After seeing the enduring magnificence
alive, almost as if their subjects could of Steynberg and Roos’s works, I was inspired
spring into motion at any moment. to create my own bronze sculptures. I want to
produce art that can become a lasting tribute to
Q: How did the realism and the subjects I am so passionate about.
detail in Steynberg and
Roos’s works affect you? Q: What are you currently working on?
A: Beyond the realism, what struck me A: I’m working on an extraordinary project: I’ve been
was the lasting nature of their art. Bronze asked to make a bronze sculpture of a Khoisan man in
doesn’t fade or change over time. It a hunting pose with a traditional bow.
preserves the beauty and essence of
these sculptures for generations to enjoy.

28 Waterfall City Issue 11 2023