Elmer’s Elephant Trail and the artists behind the designs

17 Jan 2024

The artists behind the sculptures of Elmer’s Elephant Trail have used a huge array of Resene paint colours to transform their plain elephant sculpture into an eclectic mix of colourful elephant personalities.

Let’s take a look at more designs and the artists that have brought them to life:

Come On Chameleon – by Laura Hewetson

This elephant is inspired by Elmer’s fantastically colourful coat, and the rough but coloured elephant skin-like texture of a chameleon. This colourful and quirky creation loves to bring joy and fun to all around, bringing a rainbow of colour to the everyday! Come On Chameleon isn’t afraid of their own skin and likes to stand out from the crowd!

Laura Hewetson loves all things visual and performing arts, from painting, special FX makeup, prop making, theatre and film, photography and more – if it’s creative Laura will do it! She has had the privilege of working in creative teams for WOW (Creative Makeup) and Weta Workshop (paint, armour and weapons technician) and currently spends her days supporting and uplifting the creative culture at St Margaret’s College as the schools Arts Facilitator. A highlight of Laura’s creative career was working on two pieces for the Pop Up Penguins Trail, a celebration of NZ native birds (‘Birds of a Feather’) and a Steampunk inspired piece (‘Punk It Penguin’).

Find Laura’s elephant at Selwyn Aquatic Centre.

Elephant disguised as ‘Huia’ – by McChesney-Kelly Adams

This is a large Elephant trying to sneak around in a Huia cape and mask. But they are unaware their rather stumpy legs are popping out!

In many different fields, McChesney-Kelly is known for creating detailed, realistic drawings and paintings, usually of animals, plants and people. Recently she has taken a change of practice, working as a tattoo artist, and is halfway through her apprenticeship. She enjoys tattooing whimsical, nature, floral and animal designs. McChesney-Kelly also participated in Pop up Penguins, with the piece ‘Penguin disguised as Tui’ positioned outside of Ballantynes.

Find McChesney-Kelly’s elephant at Farmers Rangiora.

Sneaky Kiwi – by Gemma Rae Dudson

Sneaky Kiwi is a bright and vibrant artwork which features some of New Zealand’s native birds, bugs and greenery illustrated in a visually exciting style. There are twenty-three kiwis hiding amongst the fun, look closely to spot them all!

Gemma Rae Dudson has always had a huge passion for the arts. She is a professional dancer and choreographer who works for Christchurch company ‘Epic Entertainment.’ During her ten years there, Gemma discovered a love for makeup and body art. She has won many body painting competitions and has worked as a professional makeup artist on various tv shows, productions and corporate events. Gemma has also been involved with many different art projects and jobs, including the previous Giraffe and Penguin trails. Gemma is very inspired by urban street art and graffiti style as well as Japanese anime. Her style is bright, vibrant and bold yet detailed and clean.

Find Gemma’s elephant near Ballantynes.

Don’t miss out on joining in on this elephant art safari, on now until 18 February 2024 in Ōtautahi! 

Published: 17 Jan 2024