“A majestic stainless steel polar bear in Svalbard. A landmark sculpture symbolizing Arctic conservation and climate change awareness in Longyearbyen.”
In 2011, I traveled to Longyearbyen, Svalbard, for a month-long residency to create a life-sized Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus). The project was commissioned by wildlife producer Jason Roberts, Managing Director of PolarX, who became familiar with my work through his frequent visits to the BBC Natural History Unit in Bristol. Accompanied by my son, Tom, who assisted with the build, this commission was a once-in-a-lifetime experience in one of the most extreme environments on Earth.
As the world's largest land carnivore, the polar bear is a marvel of Arctic evolution. Using stainless steel, I sought to reflect the bear's muscularity and the shimmering quality of its coat against the Arctic light, ensuring the sculpture could withstand the brutal polar elements. Beyond its physical presence, this majestic sculpture stands as a permanent landmark in Longyearbyen, symbolizing Arctic conservation and climate change awareness. Situated at the gateway to the frozen planet, the work serves as a silent witness to the changing landscape and a tribute to the apex predator that depends on its survival.
