Mossel Bay man the model for life-size sculpture with special message

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GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - A Mossel Bay man is delighted to have been the model for a life-size sculpture by an accomplished artist.

The model, Danté Treurnich, says enthusiastically: "I've had the privilege of watching the process unfold and I am excited about the final result."

The sculpture is called Freedom in Justice.

Sculptor Ian Visser, who lives in the village of Hoekwil, perched above Wilderness in the Garden Route, explains the rationale behind the artwork: "The message of Freedom in Justice is that you can only be free once you have a clear conscience, with regards to our country.

"We will never be free if we keep on being corrupt and keep on backstabbing and being underhanded. I wanted to express that," Visser says.

Treurnich says: "I am honoured that he asked me to be a model for this project. I am amazed by his skill and creativity."

The sculpture is in Hoekwil, outside Visser's gallery, located at Rambling Rose restaurant. It was created with fibre cement, to withstand all weather conditions.

See a gallery of pictures here: Mossel Bay man the model for life-size sculpture with special message

Treurnich is Visser's daughter's boyfriend.

Visser's other sculptures include Leentjie at Wilderness Beach, dedicated to a woman who committed suicide after a failed romance, The Ghost of Uniondale, after the legend of a woman whom it is believed disappeared in the area while hitchhiking, Bearded Man, outside Visser's gallery, dedicated to the woodcutters of Karatara and Hoekwil in bygone years and The Captain, honouring all the sea captains who braved the waters around South Africa.

He also created a sculpture for the 100th anniversary of the Fairy Knowe Hotel in Wilderness and for George's Carpe Diem school for children with special needs, for its 25th anniversary.

Originally from Witbank, Visser has lived in Hoekwil for four years.

Danté Treurnich and Ian Visser.