bear

When Silvia migrated from Switzerland to Perth / Western Australia in 1990 little did she know that in a few years time she would completely fall in love with designing and making artist bears and teaching workshops would become her passion. Although interested in crafts all her life, Silvia has a certificate of business studies and always worked in an office. Not being able to find work in Australia, she re-educated herself and had a dressmaking business in Perth. But all this was forgotten when Silvia attended her first bear making class and fell head over heel in love with these special creatures. After attending many classes with different artists, Silvia started designing her own bears in 2001 and teaching workshops soon after.  She specialises in sculpting and shading to give her bears these cheeky characters.

Silvia and her bears have been travelling to many shows internationally and within Australia and she has won many awards. The attention to detail and her love for teaching contribute to the popularity of her classes. Students travel far to attend her workshops. Silvia teaches workshops in WA, SA, NSW and QLD. Her creations and much more can be seen at www.durrerbears.com.

(If you are a member of BAW and would like to be considered for Creation of the Week or Artist of the Month, please email me caya@tpg.com.au)