Fritz van Zyl   Fritz was born in Thabazimbi, South Africa, in 1953.  His Father loved wood of every shape and it appears,passed this passion onto his son.  Fritz always had an eye for interesting pieces of wood and turned such pieces into interesting bowls or small sculptures. However, in those days, art was not a popular choice, let alone a career path!   弗里茨，1953年出生于南非的塔巴津比。他父亲对各式各样木材的热爱之情传递给了他。弗里茨总能用自己富于情趣的视角，将这些木件变成有趣的碗或小雕刻。但艺术品在那个年代并不受欢迎，更谈不上将其作为一种职业了。   So Fritz studied to be a teacher, became a teacher in Rustenburg and, after a few years began a side business where he opened a curio shop near Sol Kerzner’s then, newly opened Sun City.  He was an absolute pioneer in his field.  He introduced well known international stars to his wooden creations and carvings. The likes of Kenny Rogers, Olivia Newton-Jon, Julio Iglesias and Sigfried and Roy bought from him.   After great success with his art and curio business, he left his teaching career, for a more adventurous life. This entailed active marketing of his wood creationsin South Africa and America.And so began his chapter of making a living with wood creations.   随着弗里茨的艺术作品和古玩事业取得巨大成功，他结束了他的教学生涯，奔向更具挑战的生活。这意味着他要在南非和美国建立木制艺术品的主动营销机制。 同时，开始他的木雕创作篇章。   Unique creations demand unique thinking!!! 独特的创作要求，独特的创作思维！！ Over the years, the creations have become more unique and functional, resulting in beautiful, exotic, hardwood furniture.Fritz uses only African hardwoods. He selects the wood according to its character and then creates around it   这些年来，他的作品变得更加独特和具功能性，设计出美丽且充满异国情调硬木家具。.弗里茨使用的是非洲特有的非洲黑檀硬木。他根据木料特点选择木材并对其进行艺术创作。   His focus however, lies with Leadwood (Combretum Imberbe).  Leadwood is not a commercially viable or used wood, as trees cannot and may not be harvested alive.  Trees can grow ancient (carbondated up to 1800yrs old) and are absolutely precious.  By the time a tree dies, it usually has many hollow portions, as well as a texture that only nature can create.  It is this beauty of natural texture and form, that enchants Fritz.  It is his inspiration and all his creations retain some of that character.   然而，他的作品特别之处在于非洲黑檀硬木（Combretum Imberbe）。 非洲黑檀硬木不是商业用木或是使用型木材，树木未必有存活。树木生长的年代久远（将近1800年），是非常珍贵的木种。一棵树死的时候，它通常有许多中空的部分和纹理，只有大自然创造的结果。弗里茨深深为这些木头美丽而天然的纹理和形式所陶醉，使他产生了创作灵感，便形成了他自己艺术创作符号。   Famous clients  知名客户 Fritz has custom made items for Trish Wilson of Wilson and Associates Interior Designs, several famous upmarket Lodge owners and Oprah Winfrey’s Leadership School.   弗里茨有为Trish Wilson of Wilson和联营公司制定室内设计项目，也为几个著名的高档别墅业主和Oprah Winfrey Leadership学校定制了合作项目。   弗里茨木雕艺术作品：    弗里茨-非洲黑檀-传说   弗里茨-非洲黑檀-丛林交响曲之一       弗里茨-非洲黑檀-高歌       弗里茨-非洲黑檀-灵芝立桌之一       弗里茨-非洲黑檀-五兽椅-A       弗里茨-非洲黑檀-五兽椅-B       弗里茨-非洲黑檀-祖鲁战士