CUTV News Radio Spotlights Sculptor Joy Beckner

Chesterfield, MO – Joy Beckner is an artist and sculptor who models wax or clay into classical forms, which are then cast into bronze. Her attention to detail and commitment to creating strong representational work has resulted in many awards and invitations to membership in prestigious organizations. Today she is a fellow of the National Sculpture Society and a signature member of the Society of Animal Artists.

Meticulously involved with every step of the sculptural process from modeling clay or wax to chasing and finish work, Joy also hires the best in the United States to produce her vision into bronze. She makes the original sculptures herself with tools and her bare hands. After that, it goes to a mold maker and then the mold maker makes a wax from the mold. Then, it goes to the wax chaser who fixes the wax. In fact, producing one piece requires the work of eight different people to fashion her original into a bronze figure.

Best known for her series of dachshunds, Joy has earned international recognition and over 100 awards portraying these endearing animals. 

“As a sculptor, I have to know anatomy,” says Joy. “Anatomy to me is very important. All mammals are variations on a theme of bones and muscles and when I sculpt I can imagine the bones and muscles.”

The final piece is hollow, not heavy and can sit on your mantel as a reminder of your friend.

“I'm proud of making things accurate without being too fussy,” says Joy. “People get lost in detail. Let them use their imagination. Let yourself feel, remember your furry friend, and I feel good about them.”

For more information, visit www.Joybeckner.com