Legendary Oxford mural artist Lisa Made It has collaborated with patients at Sobell House Hospice to create a ‘personal and touching’ design for this summer’s OxTrail event.
Running until the end of August, the family art exhibition OxTrail sees a herd of more than 130 ox sculptures take over Oxfordshire. The incredible collection, now on display, showcases 31 large oxen sculptures, each uniquely decorated by artists and placed in key locations across the city.
As part of the art event there are more than 100 mini oxen set up in mini herds across the county. Among these calf-sized sculptures, illustrator Lisa Curtis has crafted a collaboratively designed ox which is now on display at the heart of the trail – Sobell House Hospice.
To create the Sobell House ox, Lisa spent a morning drinking tea and talking with patients and staff at the Living Well service facility, working together on collages to make the base of her oxen design.
Lisa says: “It was great to meet people and hear about the different activities they do. We worked together to make some lovely collages, letting the scissors do the work and not thinking too much about the outcome.
“It was really moving to hear what a difference the hospice’s Living Well service makes to patients, just enjoying the company of others, having a chat and taking part in creative activities like gardening or sewing together.”
The design is for the hospice ox is bright and colourful. It includes parts for the collage designs made by staff and patients, including a big green rabbit, geometric flowers and abstract shapes.
Lisa continues: “I also added two hands giving the Ox a hug, some long wiggly arms drinking cups of tea and a few plants growing up the side and over the head of the Ox, in my usual bold and colourful style. I was really inspired by the joy and creativity among the team, and I hope the ox brings even more colour and warmth to Sobell House.”
Lisa Made It is a mural painter and illustrator based in Oxford. Her unique and brightly coloured designs feature bold shapes and crisp lines often inspired by nature and community.
For the last 10 years, Lisa has worked with local schools, charities and independent businesses in Oxford, and she has painted mural walls in all corners of her home city.
Amelia Foster, CEO of Sobell House Hospice Charity says: “Lisa has truly captured the heart of the OxTrail campaign with her ox. Sobell House is funded by the community, and we are delighted that OxTrail allows us to give something back to the community we serve. The design of the hospice ox is hopeful and personal, and embodies the spirit of our Living Well service, which helps people to find new ways of living well with their life-limiting illnesses. We are very proud of her design and thankful for the input of our wonderful patients.”
The OxTrail art, including Lisa’s piece, will be on display until the end of August. On Friday, 13th September, many of the sculptures will be auctioned off to raise money for the hospice.
Amelia adds: “OxTrail is off to a brilliant start, and it is wonderful to see the public engaging with the oxen and using the app to find them in their iconic locations. If you haven’t yet joined the moo-vement and started ox-ploring… what is stopping you?”
Families can explore the city and spot the oxen in and around the county, following the trail by using the app or map. You can find the official OxTrail merchandise shop in the Westgate Shopping Centre, next to Blackwell’s.
For more information on OxTrail head to OxTrail 2024.
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