A student from Coleg Llandrillo has crafted a striking two-metre-long whale sculpture entirely from recycled plastic, drawing attention to environmental sustainability. Jodie Roberts designed and built the piece, named Humphrey, using materials sourced from everyday waste, including water pipes, hula hoops, and garden mesh. Much of the plastic used was collected locally, including from a supermarket.
Project as Part of Final Year Work
The sculpture was developed as part of Jodie’s final year work, aiming to encourage reflection on the impact of plastic use. She constructed it using heat-treated plastic and incorporated textile techniques to create texture, alongside hand-crafted glass eyes made in the college’s specialist facilities.
Recognition and Exhibition
In addition to the whale, Jodie produced a series of interactive jellyfish sculptures, also made from plastic, which were displayed at the college’s end-of-year exhibition. Her work received recognition at the show, where she was awarded best in show.
Donation to Anglesey Sea Zoo
The whale has now been donated to Anglesey Sea Zoo, where it will be permanently displayed for visitors. Jodie is planning to continue developing her creative practice, with ambitions to launch her own art business.
