Artist designs bear 'full of memory' for art trail

An artist designing a sculpture for an art trail in her home town says the project is a chance to "do something worthwhile for charity".

Illustrator Becky Sheppersonis creating the Memory Bear for the We're Going on a Bear Hunt sculpture trail in Dartford, Kent, which begins in July.

The trail, which will be in place for eight weeks, is a nod to the children's book by Michael Rosen and raises awareness of the work Kent palliative care charity ellenor.

"My whole concept for the design was just being full of memory and joy and reminiscing," Shepperson said.

The artist's original doodle-based design has been overlaid with the names of people who have died.

"To have people's names be put on it, it just adds that extra layer of meaning to the piece," according to Shepperson.

"I wanted the doodles to match that playful childlike style," the 27-year-old said. "Doodles that I hope will transport people back to happy memories."

Shepperson says the trail, which consists of 30 big bear and 30 bear cub sculptures, "allows people to experience and engage with art in ways they maybe haven't been able to before".

"I think this does give such a good opportunity," the illustrator says. "You can talk about death and hospices more openly."

After the trail ends in September, the Memory Bear will remain in the ellenor hospice grounds.

"It would be so nice if it can make even the smallest difference to how someone feels," Shepperson said.

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