Bart Stuyf began his career as a modern dancer in the Netherlands in 1961. He came to the United States in 1968 to study with Martha Graham and Merce Cunningham. Upon his return to Amsterdam he founded his own company, the Multi Media Foundation.
As the artistic leader of the company, Bart was the choreographer and set designer, combining his interest in movement, technology and art. Bart is considered one of the founding members of the Avant Garde dance movement in Holland. After disbanding his company in 1993, Bart was director of the Schaffy Theater in Amsterdam. Throughout his career he maintained an interest in sculpture and woodwork.
Bart is a natural recycler (scavenger). He can’t resist the challenge of converting what others might consider throwing away, into something useful and attractive. His work includes pieces in wood, soapstone and recycled Styrofoam washed up from the ocean. When he replaced the windows in his stepdaughter’s bedroom, he was left with some old copper flashing and his work took a new turn.
His copper and bronze sculptures include flowers, fish and birds, pontificating owls and fanciful kitchen accessories. All of Bart’s work reflects both his interest in movement and his whimsical sense of humor. Particular favorites are the intricate fountains he designs for both inside the home and for the garden. They include frogs showering and surfing on lily pads and singing in the rain; dragons spouting water and showered by bats; sea horses swimming through the reeds and cascading flowers. Most recently he has added copper, bronze and silver jewelry to his collection.
