Meet Yolandi Diesel | Bone sculptor & skull artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Yolandi Diesel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yolandi, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
It happened by chance really! I was born and bred in the vibrant landscapes of South Africa, my fascination with nature, wildlife, and the intricate beauty of skulls began in my early years. After school I pursued studies in Human Resources and Labour Law, and followed a corporate career in the construction industry in the bustling metropolis of Johannesburg.
I believe to craft or do art – in any form – is therapeutic for the mind and soul, so naturally my heart always gravitated towards the untamed allure of the wilderness. I started carving skulls as a sideline hobby, and would often give it away as gifts to friends and family.. until a friend one day said she wanted to pay for a custom skull carving, I couldn’t wrap my head around this! Why would someone want to pay for something that I just crafted – plainly out of a love for carving and an innate passion for bone artistry!

After a couple of years of building up my client base for custom carvings, I finally bid farewell to my full time job, and followed my career as a bone artist, I named my company Calvary Skulls – under this umbrella I do skull carvings, intricate jewellery made out of horn and warthog tusks, carved horn and bone, beautiful canvases and photo prints – well, the possibilities are endless.. as long as its everything skulls, bones and horns!

This journey took me on the path of self discovery & transformation from a conventional corporate career to embracing my passion for bone artistry and storytelling. This transition represents a profound shift in perspective and priorities, as I followed my heart and pursued my creative calling despite societal expectations and personal doubts. It is a reminder that we all have the power to reinvent ourselves and pursue our dreams, no matter where life takes us.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I pride myself as a self-taught bone artist, specialising in the ancient art of bone carving. My mission is to offer authentic, handcrafted pieces that honour tradition and uphold the sanctity of every individual skull. Through Calvary Skulls, I aim to preserve the essence of nature’s marvels, giving them a second chance to tell their timeless tales.

In the heart of my upbringing, conservatism reigned supreme. Raised under the watchful guidance of my grandfather, a revered pastor, the echoes of church hymns and devout teachings filled our household, casting a sacred aura over our lives. Yet amidst the pious serenity of our existence, a quiet rebellion stirred within my soul. However, in the rigid confines of societal norms, such inclinations were met with apprehension and disapproval.
In the eyes of my community, skulls and death were veiled in stigma, perceived as symbols of darkness and foreboding.
I found beauty in the delicate intricacies of their form. It was a notion that defied convention, challenging the very foundations of my upbringing. Driven by an innate desire to rewrite the narrative surrounding skulls and death, I embarked on a journey of transformation. It was a journey fraught with contradiction, a delicate dance between opposing forces. For how could something perceived as ugly and bad hold within it the potential for beauty and wonder? I sought to unravel the enigma of these misunderstood relics.

I became the sculptor and storyteller of beautiful contradictions. In the juxtaposition of life and death, beauty and decay, I discovered a truth that transcended the boundaries of convention.

My journey into the realm of artistry was not without its personal trials. A path diverged, leading me through the shadows of divorce and single motherhood. Yet, it was within these depths that I unearthed a profound understanding of human behaviour and relationships. Each experience, whether wrought with pain of triumph, became a brushstroke in the tapestry of my existence.

Today, I stand as a testament to the power of contradiction – a living embodiment of harmony found in contrast. Through my art, I invite others to explore the beauty hidden within life’s most unexpected corners, to embrace the duality that lies within us all. For in the delicate interplay of light and shadow, I have found my truest expression – an artist, a storyteller, and a champion of beautiful contradictions.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would definitely say The Kruger National Park in South Africa! My favourite spot is Letaba rest camp.

Imagine spending a week immersed in the heart of Africa, at Letaba Camp in Kruger National Park, where the air is thick with the scent of the wild and the rhythm of nature fills your soul. From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted by the serene flow of the Letaba River, where elephants graze and hippos wade lazily in the water. Your days begin with the golden glow of dawn as you embark on early morning game drives, eyes wide with the hope of spotting the elusive Big Five. Breakfasts are hearty and satisfying, a perfect start before exploring the Elephant Hall Museum, where you learn the majestic stories of Kruger’s giants, complete with skulls and tusks!

Afternoons are for quiet reflection at the riverside picnic spots, watching as the African sun casts its warm embrace over the landscape. You spend time wandering the lush campgrounds, visiting nearby bird hides, and taking guided bush walks that bring you closer to the heartbeat of the wilderness. Evenings are magical; the sky turns a tapestry of oranges and purples as you enjoy dinners at the camp restaurant, followed by night drives where the secrets of the nocturnal world unfold. The nights conclude with stargazing around a campfire, sharing stories and feeling the profound connection to this ancient land.

By week’s end, as you prepare to leave, you realize that Letaba Camp has etched a lasting imprint on your heart, a reminder of Africa’s timeless beauty and the harmonious contradictions it holds. The whispers of the bush and the roar of lions at dusk become memories that beckon you to return, to once again be part of the wild and wonderful wildlife of Kruger National Park.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mother Maggie, and sister Junette.
These two people are the true definition of unconditional love & support! Doesn’t matter how bizarre my next project or idea might be, they are the first people I contact and run ideas by, they are my biggest fans.
My sister is a successful entrepreneur & model, she absolutely exudes positivity! I know no one else like her in this entire world, her words of encouragement and mindset principles has gotten me out of a downcast perspective more than once, I feel honoured to call her my older sister.
Being a single parent to a teenage daughter comes with its own personal trials, to help me balance my work & personal life, my mother is an absolute anchor in my life, she is of inestimable value to me.
I would also like to give a shoutout to all my clients I’ve had the privilege of working with in the past, their ideas and motivation behind the designs of each creation to help me tell their story, this is the driving force behind why I do what I do, and motivates me to embody the essence of authenticity and artistry, capturing the raw beauty and timeless sophistication of bone carving in weaving tales of harmony amidst the discord.
These are my “life mentors” I am reminded daily; to cherish every fragment of existence and celebrate the intricate tapestry of life.

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