The
creator of a sculpture in Haywards Heath has explained the inspiration behind
the artwork.
Guy
Portelli, 57, gained funding on Dragons’ Den for his pop icon collection, which
he began aged 17.
He is the
creator of the sculpture inspired by rock band The Who on the roundabout
linking South Road and Sussex Road. Guy said: “It’s a labour of love really.
When I went on Dragons’ Den it was make or break.
“For my
knowledge, experience and self discipline, it was at the right time for me to
create my dream project exactly how I wanted it.”
The piece
was also at Wembley Stadium for a U2 concert. Guy continued: “The main reason
for putting it in Haywards Heath is the London to Brighton road is as close to
Haywards Heath as you can get. The mods used it to come from London down to
Brighton on their scooters.”
The
sculpture is an ‘exploding image’ with ‘a lot of symbolism’.
“The Who
used to smash up their kit at the end of their gig,” Guy explained.
“When I do
research, there are so many geeks out there who can dissect what I do. The
shoes, the guitar, I have to get it right.”
The
artwork also appeared at Isle of White Festival, where The Who played in 1970.
“Personally
I saw them at Charlton Football Stadium in 1974, it was my first concert.”
The pop
icons collection features 23 sculptures.
“It ranges
from Frank Sinatra to Amy Winehouse. It has gone a full circle, she isn’t a
million miles away,” Guy said.
The artist
described his techniques: “First of all I sketch the whole thing small, almost
in a Blue Peter style, and put it together with sticky tape and cardboard.
“You need
to check it from every angle, and revolve it, a sculpture needs to work from
all angles. I then scale it up to aluminium. The research is integral,” he
added.
Guy has
contributed artwork to an exhibition at Borde Hill Garden.
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