An artist who decorated a sculpture for OxTrail is encouraging young designers to be creative and to enjoy creating art.
OxTrail is a citywide public art installation which has been taking place this summer and is raising money for Oxford-based Sobell House Hospice.
The hospice, part of Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, provides specialist palliative care and support to around 3,000 patients and their families a year in Oxfordshire.
Julien Masson designed a life-sized ox sculpture named Dynamic flOX on behalf of Oxford Bus Company.
His is one of 138 oxen on display until August 29. Some of the sculptures will then go up for sale to fund the services provided by Sobell House.
Born in France and now exhibiting his work internationally, Mr Masson's enthusiasm for art was inspired from his youth and experiences of different countries and cultures.
After designing the OxTrail sculpture, he offered some advice to young artists.
He said: "Determination, focus and taking every opportunity available to express yourself are all important.
"Also have fun - that’s most important of all. Being an artist is about creativity, and I always try to be creative in everything I do.
"Ensuring my work can help people present their messages or research to a wider audience is key, and this design for OxTrail 2024 represented a great opportunity."
The team at Oxford Bus Company has "really embraced the project", according to Mr Masson, which he said has "helped promote not only art in the community but the great work of Sobell House Hospice too".
He added: "I’ve loved seeing pictures of Dynamic flOX out and about in Oxfordshire and have no doubt the campaign will raise plenty of important funds in support of a great local cause."
His sculpture has been spotted on the city’s streets outside Radcliffe Camera, in Westgate Shopping Centre and pitch side at Oxford City for the club’s pre-season friendly with Oxford United.
Luke Marion, managing director of Oxford Bus Company, said: "We’re very proud to support this year’s OxTrail which has generated a lot of public interest in the county.
"The campaign supports a cause which will be close to the hearts of many of our customers and colleagues and we’ve enjoyed people sharing their snaps of the life-size and mini-oxen out and about.
“With schools now enjoying their summer breaks, we’ve printed trail maps, which can be collected from our visitor information point on Oxford’s High Street, so families can be at an advantage when trying to spot the life-size figures.”
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