ARTS SCENE by Jo Barnes photos by Scottee Giles and Azara Effect Productions
Joanne Helm:
FASCINATED BY FORM
The Ghost Dale (2019)
Fantasy Head (2021)
He has floppy ears, a shiny brown coat and bright eyes. His head is turned inquiringly to one side, as if to say: "Can we go for a walk now?" He is so realistic you might forget for a moment that he's made out of bronze. "Joy of Life" is a bronze piece local sculptor Joanne Helm created of her pet dachshund, Krispy Kreame, and one of many in her collection that depicts a variety of subjects including dogs and people. "I like doing three-dimensional representation of things, and I cast in bronze. A lot of my work has to do with dogs," she shares. Joanne has sculpted two pieces depicting her dachshund. Each one shows the little dog in a different situation such as walking or even balancing on a board over a pipe. In each case, the size of the sculpture is lifelike, but you won't find any of these little dogs waggling their tails or nuzzling your arm anytime soon! 72 SEASIDEMAGAZINE.CA | JUNE 2023
For over 40 years, Joanne has been an Airedale terrier dog breeder. As well as raising these dogs, she has also entered many of them in dog show competitions. As a result, she has extensive experience in grooming, an activity she likens to her art. "I breed Airedales. I like grooming. With dogs, you take the time to shape the hair and that can make for top quality dogs. Sculpting is like this. In fact, a lot of groomers are good artists." Creating these captivating bronze pieces is work that requires time, attention to detail and precision. "I draw it first then I use oil-based clay to sculpt," she notes. Careful measurements are taken to ensure accuracy. A keen eye and a fine sense of perspective contribute to her drawing skills, an innate ability that Joanne has nurtured over time. "I did a course on engraving glass and my instructor said 'you can really draw'," says Joanne. "I read books, looked at YouTube videos and took classes from local artists." For her, shaping the piece is like grooming her dogs. It involves proportion, balance and perspective, all of which can be challenging. "Often your eyes will lie to you. Your eye will complete what you see, things that aren't there," she says. "If you walk away then come back, you have a better idea of what it looks like. I use a mirror which is really helpful." Joanne knows it's important to understand anatomical detail in her subjects, and says: "You need to learn what's underneath the skin. For instance, there are numerous ligaments and muscles that produce the human smile. Learning these things makes you a better sculptor."