Byline: KIM CARMICHAEL
SOME would say that the Chronicle is a work of art - and now it's being made into one.
Newcastle-based artists Chun-Chao Chiu and Matthew Blackman are using hundreds of copies of the Evening Chronicle to create a huge handmade tiger. The artists, who are based at the 36 Lime Street studios, were tasked with creating the public art in the foyer of the Newcastle City Library in honour of Chinese New Year.
The duo have 1,000 copies of the Chronicle, which they are patiently pasting onto the frame of the tiger in delicate layers one section at a time.
Brand Jersey Once the papier-mch has set, the tiger will then be decorated with a mixture of traditional Chinese designs and images of North East culture.
Chun-Chao, who specialises in community art education, said: "This is the first time we have worked together. It's been good because we've both been able to bring different backgrounds and skills.
Kid Shoes"It's taken us a week and a half to get this far. We're working from a model and building it piece by piece.
"When the tiger is finished, it will be a combination of a Chinese tiger and an English teddy bear.
"It's great to see Chinese and North East cultures coming together."
Matthew, who has previously worked on several public art projects for Gateshead Council, said: "The tiger will have a ferocious face with a cuddly teddy bear body.
"It will have a coin on the front as in Chinese culture the tiger is a symbol of protection, protecting money and children.
"The reaction from library visitors has been really good. Once it is finished, the tiger will stay here on display for a while then hopefully go into an exhibition."
The pair worked together combining Chun-Chao's knowledge of the Chinese culture and his experience of constructing visual art pieces and Matthew's design expertise to produce the tiger.
Regular library user Katrina Elstob, 27, from South Shields, has been following the project's progress.
She said: "I think it's fantastic. I've been watching it all the time and have seen it build up from the beginning.
"It's fantastic how they've put it all together. I can't wait to see it finished."
Chinese New Year is one of the most important celebrations for the Chinese community and a time to celebrate new beginnings.
The Chinese lunar calendar follows 12 years, each named after an animal - the rat, ox, tiger, hare, dragon, snake, horse, ram, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.
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CREATION: Artists Chun-Chao Chiu and Matthew Blackman with the sculpture
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