Hannes Helmke's figures embody strength, elegance and self-confidence. By skillfully playing with proportions and postures, they convey a powerful presence and allow the viewer to sense the individuality of each character. One of the remarkable aspects of Helmke's bronze sculptures is their versatility. From larger-than-life figures to smaller, intimate pieces, his artworks can be placed in different areas of the home. Bronze also lends itself as a perfect material for outdoor use.
Biography
1967 Born in Heidelberg
1985-88 Apprenticeship as a wood sculptor in Michelstadt
1990-91 Technical baccalaureate with focus on design.
1991-92 Employment in a restoration business
1992-94 Four semesters of interior design at the Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences
1994-98 Sculpture studies at the Alanus University Alfter, Germany
Freelance in Cologne since 1998
After an apprenticeship as a wood sculptor, Hannes Helmke (born 1967) studied interior design for four semesters as he could no longer identify with classical sculpture. Helmke then wanted to train as an art teacher at the Alanus University for Art and Society in Alfter. There, however, he returned to sculpture and decided to do a postgraduate course in fine art, which he completed in the summer of 1998.
Since then, Hannes Helmke has lived and worked as a freelance sculptor in Cologne. He spends the summer months on the island of Spiekeroog; the naturalness and freedom of daily life there, being in nature, are an important source of strength and inspiration. All his designs are created on Spiekeroog and are realized in bronze in Cologne.