In the summer of 2023, the landscape of Jersey will be taken over by dozens of unique tortoise sculptures – a real ‘Tortoise Takeover’! This wonderful public art trail aims to raise awareness of the valuable work undertaken by the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust whilst protecting some of the most threatened species on the planet.
Cherry Godfrey are thrilled to be sponsoring a sculpture for the Tortoise Trail and cannot wait to see it in place in the near future! We’re fortunate to have local artist Ben Robertson bringing our sculpture to life with his incredible artistic vision, and we’re delighted to have spent some time with him recently to talk about the project and more.
Hi, Ben! It’s so good of you to take some time to chat with us. Before we get onto talking about tortoises (!), tell us a little more about you – have you always loved painting, and what inspired you to become an artist?
I have always been interested in drawing – as a child, I would devise drawing competitions with my friends (mostly copying from my dad’s car books!). I went on to study Art & Design at Highlands College, experimenting with a wide range of mediums, then went on to Wolverhampton University to study Animation, focusing on 2D hand drawn. After travelling for a few years I returned to Jersey, where I worked as an illustrator for Kartoon Factory before opening a pop-up art gallery. This was the beginning of public art for me. I was introduced to a group of street artists who showed me how to use a spray can, something that inspired me to practise as much as I could (whilst also working as a freelance graphic designer and illustrator). Before long, I was approached for mural commissions and this snowballed over the years as public art became more accepted in Jersey. I have since stepped away from spray paint and transitioned to a paint brush: I prefer this because the materials are accessible and the pace suits my current studio practice.
What do you love about living in Jersey?
I have travelled the world and always end up back in Jersey. I am a winter sea swimmer, so having access to a variety of world class beaches is essential - and a group of amazing friends to share them with. In Jersey I have both!
What’s special about being part of a community initiative like this?
I have been working with Durrell for years – they’re a lovely team to work with, and it has helped me to understand why Durrell does what it does. I try to convey this knowledge through the work. These specific types of art projects that invite us to be together, outside, having little cultural adventures, day and night - for free - are essential for our current society.
How do you approach painting a sculpture – what makes it different?
Previously I painted two gorillas for Durrell, so fortunately I had an idea of some of the challenges. There has to be freedom in the design to allow for change when transferring from 2D to 3D. There is also the physical challenge of having to lean over the sculpture, turn it around, and flip it over. The sculpture is placed on a pallet board with castors, and I use three different height chairs.
What’s the biggest challenge about painting sculptures based on animals?
You have to decide whether to incorporate the animal’s features and its character, or ignore them and see it as a blank canvas, which may create its own character.
