Gorilla Watch: Update #3 The Completion

Brilliant day today.

Having done 3 coats of matte varnish at intervals over the last week or so, I was finally able to collect the skis from being cast, and get them fixed onto Super G - Downhill Racer

Slightly un-dignified, pre ski-fit:

and then back on his feet, complete with skis...

The skis were cast in resin with aluminium powder added to give them their super-shiny metallic look.

What an amazing project to be a part of. It has been great fun, a steep learning curve and pretty stressful at times, but I'm really pleased with the outcome which is very very close to the original design. To re-cap my concept which I submitted in January this year:

"Super G is King of the mountains and big hills, a racing champion on the Alpine ski circuit. Off-season he gets his thrills where he can, and for whatever reason this summer he finds himself in Bristol. From the top: Blackboy Hill/Whiteladies Road/Park Street is an exhilerating walk in the park for this downhill supremo... WATCH HIM GO...!"

From the 4th of July this is one of around 60 gorilla sculptures which will be placed around Bristol for 10 weeks as part of the Zoo's 175 year anniversary celebrations and to raise awareness of their conservation projects. Super-G has been sponsored by Bristol City Council, specifically St Nick's Market, which is where he will be sited for the duration of the event.

For further information on Wow!Gorillas and to see some of the other Gorillas that have been produced have a look at the Wow! Gorillas facebook page... 

Huge thanks go to Alec Walker, and Lisa & Mark of Plenderleith Scantlebury (www.plenderleithscantlebury.com) for their advice & assistance in the making and casting of the skis. Also to Joe Allotey, the Maintenance Manager at Bristol Zoo for coming along to fit them for me.