People / Parys Gardener
Bristol artist’s designs feature in national Comic Relief campaign
First the front of the Bristol Beacon and now on high streets and TV screens across the nation, Parys Gardener’s work is attracting plenty of attention.
The Stapleton-based artist was one of just 11 people to have their designs picked for a major Comic Relief campaign as part of a collaboration with TK Maxx.
Parys first started work on the designs for the charity in June last year and her finished pieces – featuring two women jumping towards each other in a high five and two hands high fiving – are now on merchandise for sale across the UK.
is needed now More than ever
The artist, whose stunning mural is currently pride of place on the front of Bristol Beacon, tells Bristol24/7 it’s a wonderful feeling to see her design enjoyed by so many.
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“It feels great to have collaborated with TK Maxx and Comic Relief on such an impactful national campaign,” says Parys, who completed a work experience placement with Bristol24/7 in 2017 and went on to be commissioned to create two front cover designs.
“I’ve always had such fun memories of Red Nose Day growing up. There was a time when I used to struggle to fit the red noises you could buy in school or in the supermarkets so now being a part of a campaign that includes 11 different artists, all so unique in their style and approach coming together makes the collection extremely special.”
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It was in June last year that Comic Relief shared a brief for the project with Creative Youth Network, who Parys had recently partnered with to host an online exhibition.
“I submitted some concepts and then worked with TK Maxx to develop the ideas,” explains the artist, adding: “It was a really insightful learning and creative process for me, it’s the first time I’ve worked on such a large project and hopefully won’t be the last.”
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Products with Parys’ design are on sale at TK Maxx stores nationwide, with framed prints available from www.tkmaxx.com/uk/en/.
Parys Gardener (designs on the far left t-shirt and second from the right) was one of the artists selected by Comic Relief for its 2022 campaign – photo: Comic Relief
Main photo: Parys Gardener
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