"Gentle Cloud" Akita Bronze Sculpture by Sculptor Joy Beckner | Classical realism, from hounds to humans

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"Know how to refresh the spirit, through nature and through art."... Baltasar Gracian

Oh to be the person my dog thinks I am... Linda Sullivan.

"Until he extends his circle of compassion to include all living things man will not himself find peace." Albert Schweitzer.

"One can measure the size and moral progress of a nation to how she treats her animals." Mahatma Gandhi.

A pet is for life and they should not be bred or purchased to support fashion trends. Always buy from a reputable breeder...

Unless otherwise indicated, all canine pieces and many human pieces displayed on this site are available for purchase. Please contact Joy for information regarding lead time and shipping charges. Most pieces are in stock but not all. Joy welcomes MasterCard, Visa, money order, or personal check, and, Layaway is always welcome.

Akita Canine Bronze Sculpture: "Gentle Cloud"

bronze Akita sculpture by Joy Beckner canine sculptor

46th Annual Central South Art Exhibition, Tennessee Art League, Nashville, TN. Joseph H. Sulkowski, Juror.

Barry & Fran Werner Award, 46th Annual Central South Art Exhibition, Tennessee Art League, Nashville, TN.

The Akita is an ancient breed going back well over 2000 years. After World War II, it is estimated that only 16 Akitas remained because the Japanese army used these native mountain dogs for food and their pelts for lining soldiers' coats. "Gentle Cloud" reminds me of the dog on the cover of the book, "Dog Man" by Martha Sherrill, the story of how one man brought the Akita back from near extinction.

While many may consider Akitas to be less than gentle, the woman who commissioned this sculpture assured me that anyone who has been loved by an Akita will share their life with only an Akita. Her girl Pasha was gentle and floated like a cloud as she walked throughout my studio. Her hard, dense, double coat provides insulation in summer and winter; it sticks straight out from her body, and was quite challenging to convey in clay. "Gentle Cloud" is available in a traditional dark patina or, by special order, the light red shown.

Each "Gentle Cloud" is hand made, one at a time in Colorado. Each is signed, numbered and includes my mark, Enjoy!

"A good painting [sculpture] to me has always been like a friend. It keeps me company, comforts and inspires."
- Hedy Lamarr -

Canine photography by Mel Schockner, except as noted.

Joy's - Updates

Joy Beckner sculpture collected in 39 states and on six continents

fine bronze canine sculpture by Joy Beckner
bronze sculptor Joy Beckner

Miss Lizzie
Braaehaus
Hometown Girl
11/23/89 - 10/12/06
Photo by Joy
Sept. 2006
In Honor of
Miss Lizzie

National Sculpture Society elected me as a Professional Sculptor member. I am honored and thank those who voted for me.