Welcome 2013!: Temba the Audi crystal lion takes shape in Metropolis Art gallery in Westbourne

A new lion has come to life in a beautiful setting. I remember waking up suddenly with a rather 'wild' idea when thinking about the characteristics of Audi. When I think of the rather well formed and luxury cars that state Audi, I can't help thinking of sleek lines, German engineering, and total elegance. So I hear you cry, what was the idea? Swarovski crystal mane with diamonds against a beautiful white body.
White lions are very rare creatures and after speaking to the managing director David Kelly of Poole Audi, it was clear he wanted to promote their plight. He has after all been to Africa to the one place they live in the world and was simply enchanted by this majestic animal. So the idea was born. A sleek white lion encrusted with crystals and a couple of diamonds that would be hand stuck. Temba - Swahili for 'Hope' seemed perfect.
In my mind, Temba had started with a personality. He would have the right car, the perfect house, maybe a yatch, fine art hanging in his house, eat at the finest restaurants, attend the right parties, dinners and would be an interesting person to chat too.
So the next question, where would I transform this now beautifully sprayed white lion with his mane of crystals? In a Westbourne gallery called 'Metropolis Art' surrounded by famous art from Banksy, Damien Hurst and the like, in the window!
Not any old window, no this window happened to be just by a set of traffic lights and in the main part of Westbourne.
Sometimes things happen in life that are simply just great. Sticking on the crystals one by one onto Temba in the window of the gallery was fabulous! I simply loved every minute,creating a sparkly lion in such a great atmosphere with the public stopping to stare and lashings of tea surrounded by brilliant artwork.
The team of the gallery kept me sane, as as you can imagine sticking over 6,000 crystals could send you a little mad...
The eyes needed to be just right and 'Soap' a very talented Urban artist, who's works features in the gallery, sprayed the eyes and Temba's character came to life in his hands. Soap's care and attention of the blue eyes looks great- thanks Soap!