Art / Street Art
Introducing… Zoe Power
Bristol artist Zoe Power used to regularly cycle along Festival Way in south Bristol and, after narrowly avoiding a collision with somebody walking along the stretch near Bedminster Cricket Club at night, decided that she must do something about this dangerous section of the path.
Zoe, who has a studio at Jamaica Street Artists, studies printmaking at the University of the West of England: and it was through the university that she received funding to create an installation that she has called Electric Moon.
The artwork on the back of a formerly graffiti-strewn shed is in Zoe’s typical vibrant style, but only comes into its own at night when built-in LED lights help illuminate the pathway.
is needed now More than ever
Zoe had help making and installing the piece from Russ Henry of Hot Soup House and Tom Newell at Limbic Cinema.
“It’s not often that I’m so chuffed with a piece that I have created, but I love it,” Zoe told Bristol24/7 over a cup of tea at UWE’s Bower Ashton campus.
Zoe was born in Cardiff and has lived in Bristol for four years, spending much of her time now at Spike Print Studio. You might know her murals on Church Road in Redfield or outside Holy Cross Primary School in Bedminster.
Zoe Power next to her new illuminated artwork
“There has been so much work behind it and it now works exactly as I had imagined, with the response that I have had so far so positive,” Zoe added.
“Because it changes from day to night, I quite enjoy seeing people’s reactions to it. It’s quite unexpected and there’s a real element of satisfaction creating something practical as well as pretty.”
Zoe also had a key role at this year’s Upfest, creating a mural for Bristol Women’s Voice, a local organisation who support and empower women across the city.
Zoe’s mural at Upfest 2018 was sponsored by Bristol Women’s Voice
“The piece I created for Upfest was my first big mural post-graduation. I had the pleasure of designing a 23-metre wall – something which felt like a massive compliment from the city, particularly as this was the first time I’d been involved.
“Upfest is one of those events which really embodies Bristol through and through, so to be commissioned for it was an important moment for me. It was also, of course, an amazing honour to show my personal support for Bristol Women’s Voice and to attend Upfest for the first time with their backing.
Earlier in 2018, Zoe also designed a sculpture for the second Gromit Unleashed trail, which took place across Bristol from July through to September. “As with Upfest, taking part as an artist for Gromit Unleashed was another first for me, so it was great to have been picked and to know that my design resonated with the Grand Appeal – the charity behind the trail which raises money for the children’s hospital.
Zoe’s contribution to this summer’s Gromit Unleashed 2 sculpture trail
©Barbara Evripidou / FirstAvenuePhotography.com
“I find purpose in creating art which I know is making a bigger difference. The Grand Appeal is perfect because it combines a fun, artistic challenge with a meaningful cause. By bringing businesses and artists together, it becomes possible to raise a significant amount of money for the hospital whilst spreading a bit of playfulness and fun across the city.
“Grant Thornton, the accounting and advisory firm, sponsored my design and helped bring Gromit to his new home adjacent to the Clifton Suspension Bridge, an iconic spot for my Bristolian design, which features iconic landmarks as well as local Bristolian slang. Gert lush!”
To find more about Zoe’s work, visit www.zoepower.com
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