How Shaun the Sheep helped Laura hit the comeback trail
This piece was written by Martlets volunteer Simon Eden.
AFTER putting her creative ambitions and achievements on hold for a number of years, Laura Bowden has made a spectacular return to the world of arty endeavours – with thanks to Shaun the Sheep.
Laura has created Masquerade – one of 42 Shaun the Sheep designs that are providing a cavalcade of colour throughout Brighton and Hove as part of this year’s Martlets’ art trail, which started on September 9 and ends on November 5.
A design in memory
The design – which is dedicated to Laura’s late mother – is loosely based on the butterfly.
“I used iridescent and metallic paints and a textured finish to suggest the wings of a butterfly and hope the colours change with different levels of light. The original idea was for a costume, creating a disguise for Shaun”
Laura currently lives in Exeter but is originally from Bristol where her first job was working briefly as a graphic assistant before taking on private commissions and freelance signwriting.
Picking up the brushes again
She said: “I then moved away from art but gained some valuable experience in many other fields – hospitality, in-store demonstrating, fashion retail and even the Civil Service. I put my creative pursuits on hold to raise a family but after the kids went off to Uni’ I felt it was time to ask myself “What do I want to do now?”
“There were some health issues and other setbacks along the way but now I’m back doing what I love – designing, creating and painting again. During COVID I painted some designs on a few small 3D pieces and started experimenting with fabric paints but i’ve never done anything as ambitious as a 5 foot Shaun the sheep Sculpture! I feel very privileged and humbled to have had my design selected for the art trail from the many designs submitted. It still feels a little unreal though”
Laura’s absence from arty activities did not prevent her from supporting a range of causes. “I’ve always been up for activities like abseiling or tackling military assault courses to support the work of brilliant organisations like Martlets. Going forward I hope I there will be more opportunities for me to paint more sculptures and get involved in other fundraising events and activities.”