"Over the Rainbow" Bronze Sculpture by Sculptor Joy Beckner | Classical realism, from hounds to humans

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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...

Bronze Sculpture: Over the Rainbow

Bronze Canine Retriever Sculpture by Joy Beckner Sculptor

New York Times, January 18, 2007, Home & Garden cover,
“In Death as in Life, a Personal Space” by Patricia Leigh Brown.
Funeria, 3rd International “Ashes to Art” at The Ice Box at Crane Arts, Philadelphia, PA.

I had been thinking about wall displays, masks if you will, of the heads of my favorite sculptures, when one of my gallery owners told me of a couple that would like a profile of the eight-month-old face of “Guinevere,” for a memorial. I thought about two seconds, said, “Yes!” and even constructed it so it can be used as an urn, if desired.

I understand this couple’s grief. After I buried my first dachshund Anna, I kept the sculpture of her, “Dreaming of Tomatoes,” on the end of the kitchen counter for weeks. I stroked it every time I passed it, and I am happy that my piece reminds them of their departed friend. In it, her memory will be celebrated with each passing glance.

In Spring 2005, I saw my model Guinevere for the first time in years. She’d grown long hair on her ears. WOW! A mystery was solved! My discovery of longer hair on the ears of five-year-old Guinevere helped me understand why “Over the Rainbow” was adopted by those who love Labs, and why “Three Faces of Guinevere” has been adopted by lovers of Labs, as well as those who know and love young Goldens.

“Over the Rainbow” is signed and numbered. Each includes my mark, and a copy of the poem “Rainbow Bridge.” May this piece bring you peace and help you celebrate the life of your four-legged friend. Sincerely, Joy

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

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