Bling the Norwich Airport sponsored sparkling elephant wows GoGoSafari crowds
The artist behind the sparkling elephant sculpture ‘Bling’, one of the dazzling highlights of this year’s GoGoSafari art trail in Norwich, has revealed that he used more than 45,000 rhinestones to complete the project.
GoGoSafari officially opened last month in support of the charity Break which works with children and young people living in, around and leaving care across East Anglia.
Bling is the first stop on the trail and can be found glittering in pride of place at The Forum in Norwich.
Sponsored by Norwich Airport and created by renowned artist Martin Wall, she is one of around 50 large animal sculptures including gorillas, lions, rhinos and giraffes bringing colour, creativity and conversation to public spaces across Norwich and parts of Norfolk this summer.
“I was approached by Break to take part in the trail, and Norwich Airport specifically asked for a ‘bling’ elephant,” explained Martin. “They’d seen my previous diamond-encrusted work – including a dragon, duck and a pig, and I was more than happy to get involved.”
Martin has also painted many animal sculptures in the past, including ‘Ed Sheer Ham’, a pig statue tribute to Ed Sheeran for an art trail in Ipswich which is now owned by the global superstar.
Bling lives up to her name with approximately 45,000 individually placed rhinestones, costing over £1,200 and taking Martin an estimated 72 hours to complete.
“The biggest challenge was sourcing the rhinestones,” said Martin. “Due to the size we had to keep ordering more and more. I also had to adapt the design to the size of rhinestones we could procure.
“But it was all worth it. I think she’s got a certain wow factor. I went to see her the other day in situ for the first time. The way she has been presented is amazing! She is lit by colour changing spotlights. Everyone who came in to see her whilst I was there literally went ‘wow!’. I hope she brings a smile to everyone who sees her.
“What the charity Break does is amazing – the help and guidance they give to young people in care is so important. I’d also like to thank Norwich Airport for asking to sponsor a bling elephant otherwise I wouldn’t have been involved.”
In addition to sponsoring Bling, Norwich Airport has also supported the GoGoSafari Learning and Community Programme, by sponsoring one of 60 smaller Mini G giraffe sculptures, designed and decorated by local schools and community groups. The airport’s giraffe, named Juniper, was created by pupils from West Earlham Junior School.
Richard Pace, Managing Director of Norwich Airport, said: “We’re delighted to support Break’s GoGoSafari trail and to be the proud sponsors of Bling. Martin has produced a stunning sculpture and a brilliant work to kick off the start of this year’s trail.
“We’re equally proud to have supported Juniper, our Mini G giraffe, helping young people to get involved in art, creativity and community fundraising. Break does incredible work with young people across East Anglia, and we’re honoured to play a small part in that story.” The GoGoSafari trail runs throughout the summer, inviting residents and visitors to discover each one before they are auctioned in the autumn to raise money for Break. To learn more about the trail, the artists and the cause, visit GoGoSafari
