Countdown clock artist unveils new studio
The artist who created Medway's Olympic countdown clock has celebrated the opening of her new studio in Rochester.
Paula Groves, who specialises in sculpted metals, gave an invited audience a guided tour of her new premises off Hulkes Lane, which is behind the former Featherstone's department store in Rochester High Street.
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Paula has established herself as a leading artist in her field, having sold more than 50 sculptures worldwide and has recently secured a contract with the world-renowned architects Foster and Partners who designed the Swiss Re (The Gherkin) tower in London. While establishing herself as an artist to watch, she is also a proactive member of the art community with her role on the panel of the Medway 2012 Cultural Group and the Chatham Vines Public Art Award committee. An influx of work meant she had outgrown her studios at the New Art Centre in Chatham and needed to find herself a larger studio. She approached the Medway Creative Business Initiative (MCBI) for help. |
The MCBI is run by Medway Council and the University College for the Creative Arts (formerly KIAD) to support the development of small creative businesses.
Portfolio Holder for Strategic Development and Economic Growth, Cllr Jane Chitty, said: "The creative industries are becoming an increasingly important part of the UK's economy, and Medway is no exception.
"Medway Council is very keen to help provide every opportunity for local talent to flourish, and to stay in the area to help Medway to grow."
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Paula said: "The support I have received through MCBI, MEG and Paivi Seppala, the council's Art Development Officer, has made a huge difference and I don't think I'd be where I am today without it. "The local creative community has had a huge boost in recent years with focused initiatives including mentoring, seminars and networking events. From these I have gained experience, confidence and contracts, and I know a lot of other artists who feel the same." Paula, who designed the medals and trophies for the inaugural Universities at Medway Boat Race, has set her Olympic sights on designing the official medals for the London 2012 Games. |
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