Sculptor's stunt pays off

Shropshire's "alien" sculptor Dan Smith, who placed his artwork on roundabouts in a bid to get a job, is celebrating today after winning a place on an arts course.

The 25-year-old, of Leegomery, Telford, left motorists baffled after making secret midnight trips to put his alien-like sculptures on the Jiggers Bank roundabout between Horsehay and Ironbridge.

After the Shropshire Star tracked him down, he met council officials about his work and they were so impressed with him they have put him forward for an arts award qualification at Hadley Learning Community.

Art enthusiast Mr Smith said: "The qualification is the equivalent to an arts A-Level.

"It involves people from the community doing bronze, silver and gold awards – very much like the Duke of Edinburgh Award but for art. I'm well chuffed about it."

Mr Smith's first bike-man sculpture appeared on the roundabout last month.

Beneath the sculpture was a placard with the words "Giz A Job", which Mr Smith said was to highlight his struggle to find work.

His second sculpture, which appeared days later, was of another bicycle-made Martian but this time carrying a Dick Whittington style handkerchief on a stick.

"I went out at midnight and put the sculptures on the roundabout. I kept it a secret from everybody.

"It was a way of getting some attention whilst I wasn't working," he said.

Now getting consistent work as a plasterer and doing art, Mr Smith said he had achieved his aim.

"I've always liked art, I did it at school before leaving at 16 and my mum, Julie Watson, is an artist as well," he said.

"The council said if anything ever came up, they would tell me and support my work and they have."

Councillor Tracy Hope, assistant cabinet member for community services at Telford and Wrekin Council, said: "The council is always willing to help new and up-and-coming local artists.

"That's why we met sculpture artist Daniel Smith to discuss creative opportunities across Telford and Wrekin, including volunteering opportunities at the council.

"We also put him forward for the Arts Award Qualification to develop artists and art leaders aged 11 to 25."

By Emma Black