Artists

Brendan Hesmondhalgh

Martin Norman

David Cooke

Joanne Cooke

 
Joanne Cooke - CV and Background


Training
1991 - 1995 Manchester Metropolitan University,
BA(Hons) Three Dimensional Design (wood/metal/ceramics/glass)

My work
My journey to becoming a professional sculptor of dogs began in 2000 when, on a whim I decided to recreate, in clay, a sketch I had recently produced of our family Jack Russell. I enjoyed the process so much I decided to try more sculptures of another of our dogs, a gorgeous scruffy Mutt. Encouraged by receiving a positive response to my small collection at the British Craft Trade Fair in Harrogate, I decided to explore the area of dog breeds for inspiration and soon became obsessed.

Ten years,two children, and countless shows later in the UK and more recently France, I am still excited by my subject and continue to be inspired by dogs I see in books,on the web or while out walking my Greyhound.

My favourite stage of building a dog sculpture is applying the facial expression.It’s at this point that the piece really comes alive for me. I often like to make the dog’s head a little bigger in proportion to the body to really accentuate it’s personality.

Whether I’m making a piece for a show or a commission of a customer’s pet dog,I love the challenge of capturing the character of all kinds of dogs from scruffy Mutts to refined Pedigrees!