The Owl and the Pussycat

My Owl and Pussycat themed Owl for Minerva's Owls of Bath this summer, has been enjoying all the many visitors who have come to see him in Southgate Bath.

On Tuesday 14th August,  11am-1pm there will Children's Poetry Readings with Josh Seigal in Southgate. Including of course, 'The Owl and the Pussycat' by Edward Lear

The Little Owl,Cat, Wisteria and Cherry blossom featured on my owl are inspired by Japanese screen paintings. References to the 'honey and plenty of money' mentioned in the poem are hidden in a special way!

Minerva's Owls of Bath

I was delighted to be asked to create a design to help launch Minerva's Owls of Bath, the 2018 Public Art sculpture trail around Bath.

'The Owl and the Pussycat'

The Roman baths in Bath were dedicated to the Celtic goddess Sulis and Roman goddess Minerva whose symbol is the owl, a depiction of which can be seen on the iconic carved stone Gorgon's head temple pediment. 10 years on from King Bladud's Pigs in Bath, 100 variously adorned owl sculptures will  fill the streets of Bath from June to September.

Sponsored by local businesses, they will be auctioned in October with the profits going to several local charities: The RUH's 'Forever Friends' Cancer Centre appeal, The UK Little Owl Project, Banes Young Carers and The Roman Baths Archway Centre Project.

Full details about the project can be found on their website Minerva's Owls of Bath 

To reference the gilt bronze Minerva's head statue at the Roman Baths, I decided to use gold in my design, and inspired by beautiful Japanese gold screen paintings which often show birds and animals, I chose Edward Lear's famous nonsense poem, 'The owl and the Pussycat' as a theme. 

My owl is kindly sponsored by The Southgate Centre Bath, whose own summer theme for 2018 of gardens, prompted me to include wisteria and cherry blossom in the design. The 'lots of honey' in the poem is depicted by honey bees amongst the flowers and the 'five pound note' will be hidden in a slightly unusual place!

 I can't wait for summer to arrive!