Dog Trainer to Dog Sculptor

It was winter of 2023, when my friend Heather and I signed up to take a hand building ceramics class together. We started with the obligatory pinch pots, lidded box and maybe a coil project or two. Naturally, my next project was near and dear to my heart, creating dogs out of clay. My best friend Michelle's birthday was coming up so I was excited to create her dog, Marcus, a black lab mix she rescued. From there on out, every dog training client I had, I would surprise them with a sculpture of their dog. I have made pugs, brussels griffon, vizslas, labs, pomskis, and all different mixes and mutts. The delight when someone would unwrap the sculpture and see their dog made me so happy that I really sculpted every dog I knew. I realized that 20 years of observing dogs is really a fascinating skill. I am a very quiet trainer. I note every reaction, movement of the ears, tail, eyes and nose. The amount of time I have spent observing dogs is seared into my mind which helps me as an artist to recreate their personalities and features. My sensitivities felt for people and animals can be a burden, but also is a gift. I am grateful to have found a hobby that can take those feelings and put them right into a piece of art!

If you would like your dog sculpted, please visit my etsy store:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/LaughingOrCrying