Billy Swanepoel

Billy learned to sculpt as a teenager in the studio of his uncle Bobby.  Professionally Billy works in the nature conservation sector and has a keen eye for animal form and proportion.  His love of wildlife is reflected in his bronzes, many of which are inspired by actual sightings of animals in the bush.  His 40 years of experience in the African bush give him a unique understanding of animals and their form, as evident in his beautiful sculptures.

Billy works in Mozambique but gets home to White River as often as possible to spend time with his wife Lisa and daughters Teya and Agena.

Available Artwork

The Big 5 Collection

This collection of busts of the Big Five may be acquired as individual pieces or as a set.  Mounted on wooden plinths, they are impressive medium sized sculptures.

Lion Bust

Bronze Sculpture

Height: 22cm

Base: 13cm

Length: 19cm

Width: 15cm

Series of 25

POA

 

Elephant Bust

Bronze Sculpture

Height: 28cm

Base: 12cm

Length: 20cm

Width: 24cm

Series of 20

POA

Black Rhino Bust

Bronze Sculpture

Height: 18cm

Base: 12cm

Length: 20cm

Width: 12cm

Series of 20

POA

Buffalo Bust

Bronze Sculpture

Height: 20cm

Base: 10cm

Length: 21cm

Width: 25cm

Series of 20

POA

Leopard Bust

Bronze Sculpture

Height: 18cm

Length: 16cm

Width: 12cm

Series of 25

POA

Individual Sculptures

These sculptures do not form part of a collection or series. As large and stand-alone pieces, they are magnificent collectors items.

Limpopo Crossing

This large and impressive sculpture was inspired by a bull elephant which Billy saw emerging from the Limpopo river near the famous crooks corner, the boundary between South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe…. 

Bronze Sculpture

Height: 19.5cm

Height with Plinth: 26cm

Length: 12cm

Width: 9.5cm

Series of 25

POA

Matsulu Bull

The Matsulu Bull was a very relaxed solitary bull, who Billy watched grow old. Named for the area of the reserve that he frequented, he was seen and photographed by hundreds of visitors to the Mthethomusha Game Reserve in Mpumalanga, South Africa where Billy was warden.

Bronze Sculpture

Height: 12cm

Length: 37cm

Weight: 8.3kg

Series of 15

POA

Small Sculptures

Small Buffalo Bust

This was Billy’s first sculpture, done in his uncle’s studio when he was 16.  Recently bronzed, it is a beautiful small piece and can be mounted in various ways. 

Bronze Sculpture

Height: 9.5cm

Length: 12cm

Width: 9.5cm

Plinth: Wood

POA

Buffalo Skull

Sculpted from a skull found in the bush from a lion kill, this small sculpture is an interesting piece ideal for an exclusive gift or memento of a trip to Africa.  It is a beautiful coffee table or desk ornament.

Bronze Sculpture

Height: 7cm

Length: 12cm

Width: 21cm

POA

Baby Hippo

This little sculpture was a special request from Billy’s eldest daughter as her 18th birthday gift.  Her name is ‘Gloria’.

Bronze Sculpture

Height: 8cm

Length: 14.5cm

Weight: 850g

No Plinth

POA

Dugga Boy

This lovely, medium-sized sculpture marked Billy’s first ‘proper’ creation, originally crafted as a gift for his mother.

Bronze Sculpture

Height: 16cm

Length: 28cm

Width: 10cm

Weight: 4.5kg (incl Plinth)

Plinth: Wood

Series of 10.

POA