An Interview with Jane Veveris Callan

Artist of the Bristol Blue Glass Gorilla

by Judy Darley

Whenever I visit Arnos Vale I look out for any wildlife that might be springing around, from the magpies bouncing around the lawns to the squirrels speeding up the holly trees.  I've seen some truly glorious butterflies and even heard the occasional cuckoo.  But Sunday's sighting beat all of that.  Standing in a shaft of sunlight, right next to the visitor centre, I spotted a rare Blackbear Silverback gorilla.

Um, ok, not a real gorilla, but pretty extraordinary all the same!

The life-sized beast is part of a city-wide public art event celebrating Bristol Zoo's 175th birthday.  Each of the fibreglass models has been decorated by a different artist or group of artists, and the Blackbeard Silverback has been designed by the talented Jane Veveris Callan, and sponsored by Bristol Blue Glass.

He really is one of the finest I've seen, sporting a marine/pirate theme with blue aquatic fur, a gigantic seahorse swimming up one leg, a fish up the other and a pirate's treasure trove for a chest.  Stroll around him and you'll see a Jolly Roger flag complete with a gorilla skull motif, a back layered with huge silver coins and, at the rear - well - it looks like he sat on a big fat squid, a factor deliciously at odds with his serene expression and noble brow.

Art that makes you think, and makes you smile, really is my favourite sort, especially when it manages to combine nature, heritage and helping a really great cause.

The sculptures are raising awareness about the plight of gorillas in the wild (they're perilously under threat from hunting, deforestation and disease), and will eventually be auctioned off in aid of gorilla conservation.

I was so impressed I got in touch with the artist and asked Jane a few questions about her creation.  She's no newbie when it comes to decorating animal sculptures, having worked on King Bladud's Pigs in Bath in 2008, and eight other beasts for other public art projects.

"One of the aspects I like about such projects is the opportunity to create a piece of artwork that can work on more than one level", she says.  "The basic concept of a paint surface shaped like one thing which is then 'enhanced' to represent something else is really appealing".

The first challenge was choosing a relevant theme from the rich pickings of Bristol's history.

"Bristol has such a wealth of history it was quite hard to decide really, but with its sea faring past the colourful story of Blackbeard coupled with the distinctive blue of Bristol Blue Glass seemed a good match".

Bristol pirate past is rife with romantic legends, including ones about Blackbeard, aka Edward Teach, who famously used to strike fear into his enemies by sporting flamin fuses in his beard and hair - gotta love the showmanship!

"Having read a bit about Blackbeard I was struck by how similar the persona of a male silverback gorilla seemed to that of a pirate captain!" Jane exclaims. "Both have to put on a lot of front to intimidate their enemies, and would rather stay in charge without having to resort to fighting".

Jane was also pleased with the setting as she is already a fan of Arnos Vale.  "I knew the organisers were keen to place gorillas in locations that got people out and about, as well as Arnos Vale being keen to encourage more visitors.  It's a really amazing location, a beautiful setting where my gorilla will hopefully feel right at home."

The Gorilla is due to move shortly - it's last day will be Doors Open Day on 10th September - come along and see him - entry is free of charge!