April sees the launch of the ‘Puffin Parade’ in Guernsey: an island-wide exhibition of 62 individually-painted Atlantic Puffin sculptures, all of which have been decorated by local artists, charities, schools, clubs and community groups, and day centres. Cherry Godfrey are delighted to have sponsored one of these statues, and to have collaborated with artist Libby McIntosh, who has been charged with decorating our particular puffin.
Though primarily living out at sea, the Atlantic Puffin heads to Guernsey each April to nest and breed: a sight that delights and charms all residents and visitors to the island. In celebration of these iconic, comical characters, Autism Guernsey and the GSPCA created the ‘Puffin Parade’. Coinciding with the arrival of puffins in spring 2023, the puffins will remain on display around our beautiful island until the end of August. After this point, the statues will be auctioned off to raise funds for Autism Guernsey and the GSPCA.
Cherry Godfrey are thrilled to be involved with this exciting and memorable initiative, and to play a small part in supporting the valuable work performed by both charities.
This week, we caught up with artist Libby McIntosh, who has been working on the decoration of our statue, to find out more about her inspirations, experience, and what she loves about painting puffins!
Hi Libby, thanks for taking the time to speak with us. Tell us a little more about you – have you always loved painting, and what inspired you to become an artist?
Art (and particularly painting) was my safety net at school: it influenced everything I was doing, and I always tried to work something creative into my other subjects. After undertaking a university foundation course at Falmouth, I became more interested in design, and the way the discipline merges art and form together. This led me to completing a degree in fashion design. I loved creating and editing prints, originally painted and then printed onto fabric. I think I tried to exhaust all available avenues of art by always looking for a new way to be creative! I then started to design menswear, which continued to push me as I was fitting garments to a totally different shape and fashion ideal. Many internships later, I found freelance work at a sustainable womenswear brand; in the morning, I would pack orders, and after lunch I would create concepts for pop up shops and source sustainable materials for a space in Spitalfields.
When the pandemic happened, I was left with no income and had to retreat to my parents’ house. Like many people during that strange time we binged series after series on television – and I found myself craving a creative outlet. So, I picked up some pens and started drawing animals. This continued when, after two years of being in a long-distance relationship (due to the pandemic!), I packed for a holiday and came to Guernsey. I started drawing the sea life my partner and his brother brought home from diving - mostly crabs and lobsters - and it grew from there. And, in case you’re wondering, the ‘holiday’ did not end – my return flight is yet to be booked!
What do you love about living in Guernsey?
I really enjoy the small town feel of Guernsey. I think we are so spoilt by the landscape we have here; coming from London, it’s been a different way of living, but it’s easy to get used to. Guernsey has also been a place for me to experiment with selling art, and the support from the community is like no other. I feel so lucky to have become part of the art community here: everyone is so open minded and welcoming.
What’s special about being part of a community initiative like this?
The building excitement as we see all the different designs coming to life, and the closeknit feel of everyone taking part. For example, when discussing concepts with the other artists, some similar themes emerged: an amazing thing, really, when so many different minds were involved! But there was no stigma or worry about this, as it is clear each puffin will be individual to the artist. In addition, it’s great that we’re supporting local charity work and also brightening up the local architecture! Finally, the trail will be wonderful for the kids of the island to enjoy, and I hope it will spark some inspiration and creativity in them.
How do you approach painting a sculpture – what makes it different?
Definitely the layout. Unlike the flat surfaces I’m used to, a 3D sculpture takes a lot more planning in order to make the design look well covered and even across the body. There are also different parts I wanted to highlight in different ways and the texture of the moulding helps this a lot. I kept the feet and the head more realistic to frame my concept and the artwork. I wanted people to be drawn to take a second look.
What’s the biggest challenge about painting sculptures based on animals?
I’m really glad I have taken up yoga! The positions to get into in order to reach the underbelly and feet were quite hilarious at times. I have really enjoyed working in 3D and freehand, though: it’s been an exciting challenge to get my illustrations to appear in proportion and on a curved surface.
Why did you choose to paint a puffin?
When wandering around towns in the UK (or zoos) that have their own versions of the Puffin Parade, I’ve always been impressed by the idea of painting a big animal like this: to me, it’s very prestigious. I saw it as something I’d never normally get the opportunity to do. It’s a very unique project and is so great to be a part of. I’ve really enjoyed talking to other artists about it, and feel the experience has brought the creative community together even more.
