A few weeks ago, I visited Bristol to take part in the charity sculpture walk "Gromit Unleashed", and you may have seen my previous entry about locating the Gromit sculptures. (If you have not, you can have a read and view of the photographs here: Gromit Unleashed in Bristol, Part 2). For those who do not know, this charity walk features eighty unique Gromit sculptures; Gromit is the canine companion of Wallace in the British stop-animation films, "Wallace and Gromit". The creators of the films, Aardman Studios, are located in Bristol. The proceeds of the event will be donated to Bristol Children's Hospital.
'Poochadelic' by Lisa Hassell
Local businesses, artists, and the public are contributing to this cause, and it has had a massive response. At the end of July, over 100,000 visitors have visited "Gromit Unleashed", according to the official website.
For those who have not yet been to visit the Gromit sculptures, there's only about a week left before they are taken away and auctioned. The trail finishes on September 8. If you missed them or will not be able to see them in their trail locations, they will all be in one place from 18-22 September in Clifton, Bristol. More information can be found on the official website: http://gromitunleashed.org.uk/
For those who will not be able to make it at all, please enjoy the photographs that I have selected along with accompanying text about the artist or Gromit. I've managed to track down all of the Gromit sculptures. (I actually do not have a favourite, but there are a few that I do like very much.)
'It's Kraken, Gromit!' by Filthy Luker
Filthy Luker is a street artist based in Bristol, and his artwork primarily features inflatible art objects. For example, he has put eye sculptures in trees, large plant vines emerging from buildings, and large banana skins on street corners.
'Vincent van Gromit' by Laura Cramer; 'A Close Shave' by Harry Hill; 'Patch' by Emily Golden; 'Five a Day Dog' by Laura Cramer; 'Lodekka' by Ignition DG; 'Blossom' by Emily Ketteringham
Laura Cramer was influenced by the work of classic painters, and her Gromit is a tribute to artist Vincent van Gogh. Celebrity comedian Harry Hill's Gromit is shaved to raise awareness of baldness and fits well in the title to one of the animations. Emily Golden's is based on a patchwork design, and she wanted visitors to pick out their favoruite squares. The 'Lodekka' Gromit features a bus created by the Bristol Omnibus Company. Emily Ketteringham's Gromit is in full bloom, inspired by beautiful flowers.
'Dog Rose' by Ros Franklin
Flowers were a popular theme for the Gromit sculpture. Ros Franklin's Gromit and the Gromit created by beautiful-pattern company Cath Kidston both feature flowers.
'Antique Rose' by Cath Kidston
Garden-designer Diarmuid Gavin was inspired to create a Gromit out of turf.
'Oops A Daisy' by Diarmuid Gavin
The Gromit by Tom Berry, located in Cheddar, is a maze. The maze is drawn to look like a forest. The maze can be started on Gromit's ear and finished on the tail.
'aMazing' by Tom Berry
Sarah-Jane Grace's Gromit is made to look as though Gromit is peeking out from a hedge.
'Secret Garden' by Sarah-Jane Grace
Cartoons also inspired some of the designs of the Gromit sculptures. Brookes makes political cartoons for The Times of Ed Miliband (as Wallace) and Ed Balls (as Gromit).
'Two Eds are Better than One' by Peter Brookes
Creator of Simon's Cat cartoons, Simon Tofield, covered his Gromit with his cartoon cat.
'Doodles' by Simon Tofield
The creator of Roger Rabbit, Richard Williams, created a rainbow Gromit; the cartoon rabbit is on the side of the Gromit. Zoo animals also features heavily in the designs of the Gromit sculptures. Gromit statues were transformed into zebras, tigers, and baboons.
'Roger' by Richard Williams; 'Grant's Gromit' by Rosie Ashforth
Space was another theme for the Gromit sculptures. One Gromit was inspired by constellations, and a Gromit constellation can be found on the sculpture. The astronaut Gromit was a collaboration of Pixar and Aardman, and this looks very much like the character Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story. Cheba was also influenced by space and stars for his 'Grosmos' sculpture; Cheba is another Bristol-based street artist.
'Canis Major' by Katy Christianson; 'Gromit Lightyear' by Pixar; 'Grosmos' by Cheba
Have you been to see the Gromits? Have you taken part? Which one was your favourite?
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