Sculptureworks, Inc.

Joy Kroeger Beckner
"Dream Chasers - Best of Breed"
Bronze, Edition of 20 & 2 Artist's Proofs
1:6 Scale, 19" L x 2" W x 3 1/2" H

Earned first place in the category of sculpture at the 15th Contemporary American Dog Art Competition sponsored by the Dog Fanciers, Inc., NYC.

dream chasers best of breed
Photograph by Mel Schockner.

Photograph by Mel Schockner.

"The sculpture "Dream Chasers - Best of Breed" is an animated study of the movement of three proud dachshunds, one in each coat, smooth, wire-haired, and long-haired. Mounted together as in a show ring, each animal is trotting in different positions, and chasing the dream of being Best of Breed. Robert Cole's sequential drawings of the dachshund trot were primary references for my ambitious interpretation of the three-dimensional standard of dachshunds in motion. The "Dream Chasers" Series was made with the Dachshund Club of America in mind." - Joy Kroeger Beckner

Each "Dream Chaser" is mounted by hand to a handmade, two-ply bronze base:

Two sheets of bronze plate, 1/8" and 0.54", are cut to size.

The 0.54" plate is drilled and, from the bottom, the 1/8" plate is welded to the top. A 1/8" reveal graces the top edge.

The fabricated base is lightly polished.

True to the trot, each dachshund is balanced on two feet. Each foot is drilled from the bottom.

A bronze wire is soldered to the hole in the foot. The wire in the foot is welded from the bottom to the base.

Holes in the bottom of the base are welded full and ground smooth.

Hand-cut felt is attached to the bottom.

Three specialists in two cities shear, cut, and fabricate each base. Joy's metal chaser attaches each dog. Joy applies the felt. While these sculptures may appear strong, the strength is an illusion! The delicate mounting and base patina are fragile. Protect from scratches, handle with love and care, and gently lift by the base.

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