A STUDENT textile designer let her creativity run wild as she decorated the St Richard’s Hospice giraffe sculpture for the Worcester Stands Tall trail.

Katie Hodgetts, 20, from Stourport, was inspired by the care the hospice gave her late grandfather, Mike Hodgetts, before he died in 2016.

Her design – titled Snowdrop after the flower in the hospice logo – features delicate white illustrations against a blue background.

The decorated 8ft fibreglass giraffe will be displayed alongside 29 others through the streets and open spaces of Worcester for 10-weeks from July 9th to September 16th.

How did you come to be involved with Worcester Stands Tall?

After seeing a post on social media calling for designs for the Worcester Stands Tall competition, I submitted my two very different designs and I was lucky enough for one of my designs to be chosen by St Richard’s Hospice.

How do you feel to be a part of this project?

To be a part in the trail is so exciting for me. This is my first public commission on this scale and I can’t wait to see all the other sculptures. But also I feel very honoured to have my design chosen, especially by St Richard’s Hospice itself.

Have you painted a sculpture for a Wild in Art trail before?

This is the first sculpture I have painted for a trail and I have absolutely loved every second and would definitely love to be part on another in the future.

Tell me a little bit about your background as an artist

I am currently a university student at Birmingham City University studying for a degree in textile design. I love all things print, pattern and painting so to be able to see a pattern which I designed on an 8ft giraffe is fantastic – and a unique way to display my work.

How would you describe your work?

My personal work is based on creating artwork to be transformed into interesting patterns. I love the combination of hand rendered paper collage with digital manipulation to form the final piece. My specific design for this giraffe is more meaningful for me personally and I hope other people can engage with the design too, which would be really special.

What inspired your giraffe design?

My design was in memory of my grandfather who passed away in 2016 and received help and care of St Richard’s Hospice through art therapy sessions. My delicate design symbolises peace, heaven and memories. As the giraffe is the land mammal with the largest heart, a hidden heart motif in my design signifies the support and the care St Richard’s Hospice provides to others.

What has it been like decorating an 8ft tall giraffe?

Physically painting the giraffe was certainly a challenge, 8ft is quite a large scale to paint. However, I really enjoyed the task and learnt a lot from doing it. Painting in the studio among other fantastic artists was a great opportunity to share ideas and ask for advice which I really valued about the experience.

What are you most excited about for the trial?

I can’t wait to see all the other giraffes. Also to see how members of the public react to the trail.