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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: Maurice's shell transports you to beautiful Round Island, where artist Jen spent time working whilst studying with Durrell. The island is a symbol for conservation optimism thanks to Durrell's ambitious efforts to restore the unique biodiversity there. On Round Island, Jen pulled up tobacco plants, monitored seabirds, searched for boas by moonlight, and watched humpback whales breaching off the shore. This tiny but extraordinary island, whose only human inhabitants are field workers, has been the focus of groundbreaking conservation initiatives, including the introduction of Aldabra giant tortoises as ecological replacements for extinct Mauritian tortoises.
Artist: Jen Parker
About the artist: Jen is a zoologist with a passion for art and conservation, who creates unique wildlife illustrations for people who are passionate about the natural world. She produces characterful designs in lines and dots by hand using artists’ pens on paper, sometimes with the addition of watercolour and digital finishes. Each of Jen's animal subjects has its own charm, and she hopes that her cards, prints and gifts will bring a pinch of nature-themed joy and wonder to their recipients.
Location: Le Hocq
Sponsor: HSBC
About the tortoise: Celebrating Hayao Miyazaki's 'My Neighbour Totoro', this tortoise shows the lovable forest troll surrounded by foliage. The film is a beautiful message of nature connection and becoming one with your environment, an important reminder to slow down and take in your surroundings with a child-like sense of wonder. Artist Will Bertram's work is based around drawing, often combining detailed linework with colourful texture, as demonstrated in this indulgent design.
Artist: Will Bertram
About the artist: For the last few years, local artist Will has been working as a freelance artist whilst studying towards a degree in Fine Art. He has worked as an illustrator as well as taking part in various projects such as creating live art for festivals, creative workshops, exhibitions and competitions. Will is proficient in Adobe Photoshop and is developing his skill in Adobe Illustrator. He has also experimented in creative technologies such as laser cutting, 3D printing & scanning, Virtual Reality, all of which he can use but would like to develop further. He recently completed his degree so is now on the look out for freelance work, creative projects and commissions.
Location: Queen's Valley Reservoir
Sponsor: All Pets Veterinary Centre
About the tortoise: It's big, it's bold and it's covered in ketchup! A fun play on words, 'Not Fast Food' transforms the tortoise sculpture into a giant burger. The larger-than-life sesame seed buns are filled with scrumptious salad and look good enough to eat.
Artist: Donna Newman
About the artist: UK-based artist Donna Newman of Eden Designs Murals has been creating murals for over 15 years. She can be found working with schools across the Midlands to transform their learning environments with her vibrant artwork. Donna aspires to bring colour and life through her playful designs.
Location: Queen Street
Sponsor: The Royal Yacht Hotel & Spa
About the tortoise: 'Passion' is based on the passionflower, the official flower of the Galapagos Islands. It is beautifully scented and intricate, and along with the cactus, it provides valuable food and protection to the islands' fauna. The colour scheme of blues and greens emphasises the depth, lushness, and richness of the islands' vegetation, which is contrasted by the white petals and striking anatomy of the passion flowers. There are insects, birds, and small animals native to the islands hidden in layers of foliage within the design.
Artist: Louise Le Luyer
About the artist: Former Beaulieu student Louise studied for a BA and a Masters in industrial Ceramic design, graduating with Distinction from Staffordshire University in 1995. She represented the University at the London New Designers and was awarded the best new ceramic designer. Louise worked in New York for 13 years and designed what is still the top selling pattern in the USA: Butterfly Meadow. She has worked for many other high profile companies including, Villeroy & Boch, Royal Doulton, Asprey, helped design Kade Spade's dinnerware collection for Lenox USA, and also did a six months placement with Bernaurdaud in Paris. Louise – whose artistic focus is on surface pattern and illustration – also designed a Gorilla for the Go wild Gorilla trail last summer.
Location: Moignard Liberation Garden, St. Lawrence
Sponsor: ATTOL Architecture & Interiors
About the tortoise: 'Porcelain Tortoise' was created in the iconic porcelain design colours of blue and white. Artist Zoe used her textile design background and applied surface patterns to create this classic piece with a modern twist. She believes there's something special about physically forming a piece from a simple idea.
Artist: Zoe Connery
About the artist: Zoe is a Dubai-based artist who mainly works on detailed flowing art. Her work is a creation of nature and patterns that surround her. Zoe has always been fascinated by images and how the world is represented through the eyes of others. She expresses both these elements through art and creates a reflection of what the viewer can identify and visualise.
Location: The Cenotaph
Sponsor: ROK
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?
This article was put together with the help of Sadie Taylor, who was on Trident Work Experience with Bailiwick Express.
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