Latest update December 4th, 2024 2:40 AM
Sculptor Ernest Van Dyke unveils new masterpiece
The world of an artist is often characterized by vision, creativity and finesse. Art often reveals a world that is totally hidden from the masses. Such is the craft of renowned Guyanese Sculptor, Ernest Van Dyke.
Van Dkye draws inspiration from his surroundings— nature, scenery and the current affairs of the nation. He underscored that “the beauty of art is taking something old or what may seem useless and creating something captivating and worthwhile to look at.”
On a visit to his home, the artist pointed to a piece of art which hung on the wall of his intimate work space. The one -storey edifice located at Lot 2967 North Ruimveldt, Georgetown is being transformed into a gallery for his work.
With just one glance, one would not realize that the fascinating painting was once a ‘rusty’ old frying pan which the artist found in his backyard. He said that he saw the imaginative possibility of the old pan.
“It‘s kind of like the old saying one man’s trash is another man‘s treasure, “he said.
The Guyanese Sculptor, Ernest Van Dyke unveils “Guyana 2015: The Key to National Unity”
The sculptor believes this is the essence of art; seeing potential in the piece of wood, stone or clay and craving a masterpiece out of an otherwise dull object. He says “creativity is the work of geniuses.
“It employs a kind of God factor in us that allows us to be masters in our own right.”
Working with his hands with the use of simple tools, a chisel, knife, saw, and sand paper, he has managed to craft yet another mahogany masterpiece.
The piece sat in the middle of the room covered with a white cloth. As the artist unveiled his work titled, “Guyana 2015: The Key to National Unity,” I beheld its intricate beauty and exquisiteness.
Immediately, the questions came to my mind. What might have inspired this piece? How long did he have it mind? And how long did it take to create?
Standing approximately four feet tall, the wooden sculpture symbolizes a nation’s strength in Unity. The map of Guyana is hoisted above the pedestal by six human figures depicting the nation’s peoples. A clasped hand and a dove at the crown of the sculpture, the artist says, shows the need for peace, spiritual uplift in face of adversity.
Atop of the wooden art piece also has two human figures with a key in their hands; these represent the nation’s leaders, who have been given the superlative task of forging a people of togetherness.
The artist explained that he started to work on the masterpiece two weeks leading up to the recent Regional and General elections.
Van Dyke’s work accurately captures the political landscape. “I feel like unity is most pertinent to our development. The people must come together and lift Guyana, “ the artist asserted.
I started working on this sculpture weeks before the elections but when the APNU-AFC Coalition won it was like confirmation that I was going in the right direction because when we (unite) we win .”
This is by no means Van Dkye’s only politically inspired creation. A few years ago the artist carved another mahogany piece titled “Our Divided Nation. “ The art work was highly symbolic of the nation’s political scenery; a country divided by ethnic differences, politics and other social issues.
The Essequibian is currently working on his next masterpiece. This one will depict the impact of domestic violence.
Van Dyke has been touted as a chosen sculptor by former Guyanese leader Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham. The sculptor has since created pieces of wood, stone, leather and other materials for a number of influential persons and organizations. Van Dyke recalled that he started out as an accountant but his heart was always for art.
He had worked at a number of government agencies but was never satisfied. And like his role model, Phillip Moore, (the architect of the 1763 monument) VanDyke had a dream which inspired his career. Since then, the independent artist has set his own pace, crafting many pieces which acquired national and international recognition.
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
Deeply concerned about political dysfunction in society
Dear Editor The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) is deeply concerned about the political dysfunction in society that is... more
Haiti: Tragically Descending into Deeper Crisis
By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News- As gang violence spirals out of control in Haiti, the limitations of international... more
Weekend Cartoon
