The Sculptress JOEL (Jo Walker) specialises in detailed sculpture portraits of people and animals, and statues designed for the environment. Currently based in Leicestershire, she was brought up in the Welsh border country, and later studied Zoology and Ecology at the University of Exeter. Research into animal behaviour took her to Scotland and East Anglia. Her love of animals and interest in natural history increased her awareness of animal form and behaviour, and the interaction between form and environment. She has now worked as a sculptress/artist for over thirty years, undertaking private and public commissions as well as public, and community based projects.
She was commissioned to design and make the Statue of the Collie Dog Ruswarp, unveiled on the station platform at Garsdale on the Settle to Carlisle Railway Line. The project was organised in association with the Friends of the Settle to Carlisle Line who liaised with JOEL in her research for this project. The design needed to be suitable for the public domain, and delivered and installed in due date for the unveiling ceremony.
JOEL contributed to the publicity for the months leading up to, during and after the event. This involved her writing for blogs, participating in a film documentary on the making of the statue and television and radio news interviews. She also was present helping and supervising at the installation of the statue. The delightful portrait of a special Collie Dog is now a popular public attraction.
JOEL has worked to many client briefs including developing an exhibition of Sculptures to promote the cause of wildlife conservation for the Peter Smith Trust for Nature Conservation and in turn for the Greensand Trust. She was responsible for the centenary sculptures for the Welsh Pony and Cob Society. Her involvement with the celebration and promotion of Market Towns week for Melton Mowbray gave her experience in public consultation, workshops and school visits.
The Sculptress JOEL has exhibited across the UK as well as overseas and her work is in private collections across the World. She also travels abroad by commission.
I am often asked when I consider a project finished - JOEL says - It is when I see the smiles on clients' faces as they see their sculptures for the first time, and when people of all ages start to interact with and enjoy the artwork.
A Selection of quotes from customers and clients:
- Loyalty arrived yesterday and is absolutely beautiful !!
- I have been waiting to see the end result and wow! you have done a great job
- Thrilled with the sculpture just like him, that is his expression
- Your sculpture arrived safely today. It is absolutely beautiful!
Her work has won many awards including the Gift of the Year award 1994.
JOEL Walker Tenon Studio 07375 632473
