Artist Bio
Ferdi B Dick began his career as a 3D animator and later transitioned to creating physically crafted sculptures. Utilizing modern computational technology alongside classical lost-wax bronze and crystal casting techniques, he explores the innate movements and emotions of animals, giving them a voice through poses and postures. Exploring emotional states through animated avatars.
His body of work includes diverse animal sculptures, such as a seven-piece collection of crying unicorns and bears, a growing collection of birds, dogs, and cats, and various other wildlife subjects. By using modern materials like stainless steel, Ferdi creates three-dimensional works with exaggerated features and forms, directly influenced by cartoons and animation. Initially working with bronze sculptures, he has since expanded into stainless steel and crystal to further develop his artistic expression.
Ferdi B Dick has exhibited in both national and international group exhibitions, including in South Africa, Belgium, Spain, China, and Taiwan. Notable highlights include showing at the Future Art Fair in Taipei, Taiwan, in January 2020.
He has also found success in the realm of public sculptures, completing his first large-scale public work in 2021—a 5-metre-high ox kicking up a splash—followed by three large tiger sculptures in 2022 in China. In 2023, he completed a 7-metre inflatable rabbit for the city of Taiyuan. Recently, he completed a 9-metre-high stylized whale with a water splash for the city of Zhanjiang, China, which is installed in a prime location in the new coastal CBD of Zhanjiang International Riverside. He is currently working on a second whale sculpture, which is in production for Thailand.
In 2021, Ferdi B Dick won the Bronze Award and the Most Market Value Award for his sculpture Lina Lion Dancer at the Zayton Cup International Design Competition in China.
Ferdi B Dick is originally from South Africa and is now based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, while his company, Ferdi B Dick Pte. Ltd., is headquartered in Singapore.
Themes I Explore:
Exploring emotional states through animated avatars
My work delves into exploring emotional states, often using animated or symbolic avatars to depict complex feelings in a relatable, lighthearted way.
The concept of the tongue sticking out, as seen in the lion's breath yoga pose, represents a powerful moment of release—letting go of tension and finding a Zen-like state of calm.
Throughout history, sculptures have been crafted in the image of gods and heroes. These figures were idealized and revered, serving as symbols of inspiration and reminders of the values and aspirations society held dear.
My sculptures reinterpret this idea by creating talismans or icons that encourage people to pause, breathe, and be present. They are designed to evoke a sense of release, blending playfulness with mindfulness. Think of them as "happy art" with a twist—a reminder to embrace life’s lighter moments and let go of stress.
Much like the Japanese lucky cat, my icons are imbued with a purpose: to serve as focal points, attracting positivity and a sense of well-being.
Materials I Use:
At the heart of my art is the commitment to creating timeless pieces, both in aesthetics and durability. Unlike much of the transient "pop" or "happy" art, which often uses materials prone to degradation, I work exclusively with archival-grade materials designed to last for generations. My sculptures reflect an enduring quality, crafted from bronze, stainless steel, crystal, marble, and occasionally premium wood. Each finish is carefully considered to enhance the longevity and emotive impact of the artwork, ensuring that it resonates across time.
I use 316L stainless steel, a high-grade material celebrated for its durability and refined appearance. The mirror-polished finish creates striking visual effects, reflecting light and surroundings to produce a sense of movement and dynamism.
Durability: Resistant to rust, corrosion, and environmental factors, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor installations.
Sustainability: Stainless steel is 100% recyclable and largely crafted from scrap metal, aligning with environmentally conscious practices.
This material is ideal for collectors who value longevity and aesthetic brilliance in their art.
Bronze is a classic material for sculptural art, prized for its strength, versatility, and timeless appeal. Its capacity for intricate detailing makes it an excellent choice for capturing subtle forms and textures. Each bronze piece undergoes a meticulous lost-wax casting process, resulting in sculptures that not only endure but also age gracefully. Bronze sculptures have stood the test of time, with some surviving for thousands of years, showcasing their unmatched durability and timeless charm. The sculptures are either polished to a mirror finish or patinated in a colored finish, adding to their enduring beauty
Crystal is a luxurious material that embodies elegance, clarity, and craftsmanship. My crystal sculptures are crafted using the ancient lost-wax casting technique, a method with roots in 11th-century BC artisanal traditions. The process demands precision and skill, similar to bronze casting, but is less forgiving, resulting in pieces of unparalleled beauty and exclusivity.
Unique Appeal: Each sculpture has a frosted finish, offering a vintage charm, with vibrant colors achieved through the infusion of metals and minerals during casting.
Durability: Resistant to scratches, chips, and wear, these sculptures retain their brilliance for generations.
Every crystal piece is presented in stylish, protective packaging, making it an exquisite option for collectors or as a luxurious gift.
Marble and granite exude a sense of permanence and grandeur, connecting the artwork to classical traditions while maintaining a modern sensibility. I work with carefully selected stones, including:
- Marquina Black Marble
- Sichuan White Marble
- Guangxi White Marble
- Sesame White Granite
These stones are renowned for their durability and unique veining patterns, making each sculpture distinct.
Occasionally, I incorporate premium woods like Walnut and Beech, chosen for their rich tones and tactile warmth. Wooden pieces are crafted with precision, balancing natural beauty with artisanal skill. For smaller sculptures, I often package them in custom sliding wooden boxes, adding an extra layer of refinement.
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS AND PUBLIC SCULPTURES:
18-12-2024 Everard Read Franschhoek Winter show, Franschhoek, South Africa
25-12-2023 “Embrace the amazing Whale” public sculpture, Zhan Jiang Garden City, China
https://ferdibdick.com/blogs/news/embrace-the-amazing-whale
11-02-2023 “Roar!” Solo Exhibition, 131 a Gallery, Cape Town, South Africa
https://ferdibdick.com/blogs/news/roar-exhibition
03-02-2023 “Lion's breath” solo exhibition, Everard Read, Johannesburg, South Africa
https://ferdibdick.com/blogs/news/lions-breath-exibition
12-12-2022 “Super Healing Giant 'Hehe Rabbit’” inflatable Public sculpture, Taiyuan, China
https://ferdibdick.com/blogs/news/hehe-rabbit
18-12-2022 Everard Read Franschhoek summer show, Franschhoek, South Africa
https://ferdibdick.com/blogs/news/up-and-up-exhibition
28-06-2022 Everard Read Franschhoek winter show, Franschhoek, South Africa
https://ferdibdick.com/blogs/news/panda-monium-in-exhibition
13-07-2022 Winter collection group show - Everard Read Cape Town
https://ferdibdick.com/blogs/news/wagging-the-dog-exhibition
28-06-2022 Everard Read Franschhoek spring show Franschhoek
https://ferdibdick.com/blogs/news/dogs-running-exhibition
12-02-2022 “Lucky Tiger Astronauts” Public sculpture, Taiyuan, China
https://ferdibdick.com/blogs/news/lucky-tiger-astronauts
12-12-2021 Summer collection group show - Everard Read Cape Town
https://ferdibdick.com/blogs/news/over-the-rainbow-exhibition
12-02-2021 “Ox” Public sculpture, Taiyuan, China
https://ferdibdick.com/blogs/news/ox-public-sculpture
12-12-2020 Summer collection group show, Everard Read, Cape Town, South Africa
03-10-2020 131 A Gallery group show, Cape Town, South Africa
https://ferdibdick.com/blogs/news/proteaceae-exhibition
13-07-2020 Winter collection group show - Everard Read, Cape Town, South Africa
16-01-2020 “Taipei Artfair” Artfuture, Veart gallery, Taipei
05-12-2019 Summer collection group show - Everard Read, Cape Town, South Africa
28-07-2019 Self portrait group show - Glen Carlou Gallery, South Africa
13-07-2019 Winter collection group show - Everard Read Franschhoek, South Africa
https://www.everard-read-franschhoek.co.za/exhibition/36/exhibition_works/710
12-06-2019 Winter group show, Everard Read, Cape Town, South Africa
https://www.everard-read-capetown.co.za/exhibition/176/press_release/
09-12-2018 Everard Read Franschhoek spring show, Franschhoek, South Africa
https://everard-read-franschhoek.co.za/artist/FERDI%20B._DICK/works/709
08-11-2018 The Salon Art + Design Group Show, New York, United states
20-09-2018 “FOUNDRY PROOF”, Southern Guild, Cape Town, South Africa
https://ferdibdick.com/blogs/news/foundry-proof-exhibition
14-02-2018 “EXTRAORDINARY” exhibition, Southern Guild, Cape Town, South Africa
https://ferdibdick.com/blogs/news/i-don-t-believe-in-unicorns-exhibition