2 days ago
Artist honours late dad and uncle with heartfelt penguin sculpture on Southend trail
An artist whose love of painting was inspired by her late father has created a heartfelt penguin sculpture now on display in Southend.
Claudia Rose, 24, from Hadleigh, discovered her passion for art at a young age.
Her father, who passed away from cancer when she was just six, was a significant influence on her creativity.
As part of the Waddle-on-Sea initiative, she crafted a super-sized, marble-inspired penguin sculpture, proudly exhibited on Southend High Street.
This stands among 30 other large penguins and a cluster of smaller sculptures throughout Southend and Leigh.
Claudia said: "I get my gift of art from my dad and have always enjoyed it ever since I was little.
"Sharing my artwork and having people get joy from it is the most fulfilling part, and I feel like my dad lives on in everything I create."
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The Waddle-on-Sea art trail, which began on July 11 and concludes on September 3, raises funds for Havens hospices, an charity close to Claudia's heart.
After her father's passing, her uncle became a father figure to her and was later cared for by Fair Havens Hospice.
The charity's support during tough times has inspired Claudia to give back through her artwork.
She said: "After my dad passed away, my uncle became like a father figure to me.
"When I was 18, he was cared for at the end of his life at Fair Havens Hospice.
"They offered me and my family support through our most heartbreaking times.
"It's a charity close to my heart, so to be able to raise money for them so they can help others means a lot to me, and it's my way of giving back."
At the end of the trail, all the penguin sculptures, including Claudia's Marble Penguin, will be auctioned to raise further funds for the hospice.
Those interested in following the trail can purchase a map from any Havens Hospices charity shop or other designated locations, or use the free Waddle-on-Sea app.
For more information, visit the Waddle-on-Sea website.
