The Lionheart Project will feature three giant hand crocheted lions in a custom-built, mobile, glass case. These powerful, realistic sculptures reflect the region in both symbol and materials; they will recreate Richard the Lionheart's three lions crest using locally sourced Swaledale wool, celebrating the region’s rich textile heritage.
The lion structures are sculpted out of polystyrene and set around steel skeletons. Using a ‘one colour one stitch’ freestyle technique, Shauna will then crochet the three skins tracing muscular contours as she goes - it is estimated that this process will take her around two years. During this time, people can witness the creation of the lions via Lionheart Project cameras, and get involved through studio visits and participatory activities across the region.
In the spring of 2012, the Lionheart project will travel around the East Midlands in a custom-built glass exhibition vehicle.
Follow the project's progress at www.lionheartproject.com
See the shortlisted entries for this region and read about the judging panel
Shauna lives in Stoughton, Leicestershire. She describes herself as a ‘crochetdermist’ who was originally taught to crochet while at junior school. After leaving secondary school she became a painter specialising in architectural themes.
While studying fine art at De Montfort University, Leicester, Shauna’s practice was conceptual and questioning art drove her work.
‘I came to believe that maybe anything could be art – maybe a gesture, or an empty space. I now use realism and traditional craft to explore this theory.
The Artists taking the lead brief was extraordinary. Here was a truly exciting opportunity to think big and create something spectacular that would celebrate the individual culture of our region and put us squarely on the map.’