Rag Dogs by Helen Thompson
Who among us in childhood did not dream of having a dog? Someone has this dream come true, someone does not (for various reasons) …
However … Dreams very often lead us to unexpected and extraordinary ideas!
So, the artist-sculptor from Great Britain, Helen Thomson, creates incredible dogs from rags with his own hands.
It all started in childhood. The young artist had two favorite dogs – Balzac and Travis. Balzac was a cross between a setter and a collie – a fluffy, funny and in love with life dog. Travis looked like a big black bear and had a relaxed and gentle disposition. It was he who became for Helen a source of admiration and, subsequently, creative inspiration. The girl believes that every dog has a very expressive face and a unique character that can be portrayed. Dogs, like humans, are able to experience, rejoice and yearn.
Helen was inspired to create such unusual sculptures by embalmed mummies of dogs from Ancient Egypt. The images are created on the basis of interesting photographs or sketches, however, the expression of the muzzle is still born in the process of work. The master uses a wire base and rags as material: old linen rags, burlap and vintage fabrics. The older the material, the more malleable it is. The girl sews pieces of fabric together by hand and claims that the stitches give the image a soulfulness and character.
Absolutely every work of Helen Thompson (size of work approx. 25-50 cm) turns out to be incredibly realistic and soulful. Dogs seem to reflect their destiny. According to the master, her sculptures convey “the uniqueness, a certain fragility and character of animals”, because they so need warmth and affection. With her work, Helen draws attention to the problem of homeless animals.
