Bristol illustrator and mural artist Andy Council has revealed his latest dinosaur image at Cabot Circus shopping centre in the city. Spanning 60 square meters, it is one of his largest works yet and showcases various buildings and landmarks from Bristol.
When the cinema at Cabot Circus closed down, the mall reached out to Upfest, a gallery that supports local artists and organizes large projects with community organizations and businesses. Andy was selected to create a piece to fill the space until a new purpose is found for it.
„They wanted a Bristol-themed artwork, and they believed that I was the right person for the job, given the city’s presence in my work,“ Andy explains. „Coincidentally, it was around the 20th anniversary of the Bristol Dinosaur, so I thought it was a fitting tie-in.“
The dinosaur shape was an obvious choice for the Bristol mural, especially since Andy’s inspiration came from watching a Jurassic Park movie at the same location. The artwork was created in spray paint off-site due to nearby restaurants, with the design divided into sections on boards and assembled like a puzzle on the wall.
The mural includes recognizable landmarks from Bristol, such as the Clifton Suspension Bridge and Cabot Circus itself. Personal touches like Turbo Island and Dean Lane skate park were also incorporated, reflecting the artist’s connection to the city.
The Bristol Dinosaur concept originated in 2005 when Andy illustrated a CD cover for a magazine, featuring Western Country bands. Over time, the artwork gained popularity in Bristol and became known as the ‚Bristol Dinosaur.‘
Andy’s unique approach of creating large animals from smaller objects has captivated viewers over the years, evolving from hand-drawn sketches to intricate mural paintings.