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This summer, giant tortoises are taking over Jersey in an extraordinary, free public art trail across the island's wild places, coastal vistas and urban hangouts.
The funds generated from the 'Tortoise Takeover' sculptures – which have been sponsored by local businesses and will be actioned off at the end of the trail – will be used to build a new amphibian and reptile house at Jersey Zoo.
Supporting the 'Tortoise Takeover' initiative as its official media partner, Express is getting behind the scenes of the trail to bring you a comprehensive guide of all 50 of the giant tortoises and the inspiration behind each sculpture's bespoke artwork.
Find out more about the the next five tortoises in the trail here...
About the tortoise: 'The Jersey Royal' takes inspiration from Jersey's famous potato variety. It's dressed in royal robes and is decorated with a royal family of potatoes. From having royal tea parties, to horse riding, travelling in a golden carousel to sitting on a royal throne, these potatoes sure know how to make the most of being royals. Each of the tortoise's four legs show a different season which is so vital for growing these famous potatoes.
Artist: Hannah Jayne Lewin
About the artist: Yorkshire-based Hannah has dedicated herself to illustration because she loves the emotional – and sometimes even life-changing – response that images can evoke. She loves seeing people all over the world, of all ages and all backgrounds, engaging with and enjoying her artwork. She creates artwork for a variety of areas including children’s publishing, art trails, and murals.
Location: St. Martin's Village Green
Sponsor: PwC
About the tortoise: 'The Tortoisphere' shows fragments that float between our planet's biospheres. Shapes and imagery have been sourced from old Durrell brochures and site maps, and the Japanese animation 'Future Boy Conan'. It has been inspired by the next generations, and the hands that support and connect us all. It also features hand and footprints from the artist's 20-month-old daughter.
Artist: Ben Robertson
About the artist: As a practising visual artist for more than 10 years, Ben's work has become a tool for social change and is mainly in the public realm. Focusing on positive themes to discern a shared passion for the natural world.
Location: Les Mouriers
Sponsor: Cherry Godfrey
About the tortoise: As a freelance artist and illustrator, Marnie's work is highly detailed and focuses on the more whimsical aspects of the world. Nature and the natural world are a constant source of inspiration for Marnie and as soon as she saw the shape of this beautiful sculpture, with its huge domed shell, and chunky strong legs, she knew she just had to turn him into a toadstool. So, say hello to 'Toadstooly Tortoise' – he's sure to make you smile, as he's a really fun-guy!
Artist: Marnie Maurri
About the artist: A graduate of the Slade School of Fine Art, Marnie spends her days creating individual commissions and gift prints and cards.
Location: St. Catherine's Woods
Sponsor: All Island Media (Bailiwick Express and JEP)
About the tortoise: Showcasing a palette of botanical greens, 'Tonka' is inspired by the magic of nature's camouflage. Adorning the shell is a graphic representation of tropical flowers that grow wild and geometric motifs from textiles all found in the regions that the giant tortoise inhabits. Viewed from above, the patterns come together to make up the face of a protective spirit determined to safeguard the future of tortoises existence.
Artist: Marcus Davies
About the artist: Marcus is a London-based artist and menswear designer who grew up in Jersey, with a passion for colour, pattern, wildlife and illustration.
Location: St. Peter's Valley mill pond
Sponsor: Granite Products
About the tortoise: 'Your Tern' is focused on birds and the beauty they bring to the world. The shell pays homage to the flight of terns over the ocean. It has been named 'Your Tern' to highlight that it is now humanity's turn to take better care of our planet, our ocean, and our birds.
Artist: Sasha DeWitt
About the artist: Her newest work explores the wonder and curiosity that she feels when she is out slowly walking in nature taking time to notice what she sees, hears, smells, and feels. Through her use of various techniques with oils and cold wax, such as layering and compression, she seeks to mimic the natural land forms that she has walked over, gazed at and internalised. She hopes that viewers also experience a sense of wonder and curiosity when viewing her paintings and that they are able to connect with the emotions and places that she explores.
Location: Noirmont
Sponsor: Jersey Electricity
Pick up a copy of the July edition of Connect Magazine for your FREE official Tortoise Takeover trail guide or check out the digital edition below...
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MEET THE TORTOISES #1: A berry good shell-ection of sculptures
MEET THE TORTOISES #2: Strike a cosmic connection with a p'tit pal
MEET THE TORTOISES #3: Dodo you like to explore? From Eden to Eco Ninjas...
MEET THE TORTOISES #4: My tortoise family and other sculptures
MEET THE TORTOISES #5: Keep going, as the trail keeps growing
MEET THE TORTOISES #6: Will you be the 'lucky one' as the trail continues?
MEET THE TORTOISES #7: Good enough to eat?!
MEET THE TORTOISES #8: Live slow...die old?
MEET THE TORTOISES #9: Life in plastic...it's shelltastic?
This article was put together with the help of Sadie Taylor, who was on Trident Work Experience with Bailiwick Express.
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