Claudia Winkleman Immortalised in Unique Garden Fence Artwork
In a charming display of contemporary folk art, television presenter Claudia Winkleman has been honoured with an unexpected tribute that has transformed a Suffolk garden fence into a talking point for the entire community.
From Strictly to Stowmarket: An Artist's Inspiration
Sharon Kulesa, a 46-year-old artist based in Stowmarket, Suffolk, has created a remarkable model of Claudia Winkleman that now stands proudly on her garden fence. This creative endeavour comes as Winkleman continues to capture public imagination through her role hosting the BBC's hit murder mystery game show The Traitors, despite having stepped away from her long-running position on Strictly Come Dancing.
Speaking exclusively to the BBC about her latest creation, Kulesa explained her motivation: 'Claudia is so iconic looking, and I think people love her, and I like to do something on the fence that's quite relevant to what's going on at the moment.'
A Growing Gallery of Public Art
This is not the first time Sharon Kulesa has turned her garden fence into an outdoor gallery of contemporary culture. Her previous creations have included striking representations of Queen Elizabeth II and Suffolk's own music superstar Ed Sheeran, who remains her absolute favourite subject to date.
'The reaction it produces from the community is just always amazing,' Kulesa revealed. 'People love it, especially the children, because it's positioned on a main route to the local primary school.'
Creative Process and Community Impact
The artist employs an innovative approach to her creations, constructing the models primarily from mannequins, newspapers, kitchen foil and masking tape. To keep costs manageable while maintaining authenticity, Kulesa sources most of the outfits from charity shops and second-hand websites.
Her artistic journey began during the coronavirus pandemic when she first started creating models of well-known public figures, including then Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Since those initial efforts, her portfolio has expanded to include Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna and even Snow White, demonstrating her diverse range of inspirations.
Winkleman's Potential Reaction
When asked how she believes Claudia Winkleman might respond to seeing her likeness recreated on a Suffolk garden fence, Kulesa expressed confidence that the presenter would appreciate the tribute. 'I think she'd find it hilarious,' the artist suggested. 'I think she'd be quite tickled by it, really. I hope she'll be quite flattered in a way.'
Broader Cultural Context
This unique artistic tribute emerges against a backdrop of continued public fascination with The Traitors franchise, which has recently expanded to include Celebrity Traitors and is reportedly headed for a West End adaptation. The show's cultural impact continues to ripple through various aspects of British life, from fashion trends to community art projects like Kulesa's fence gallery.
The garden fence installation represents more than just a celebrity tribute; it has become a focal point for community interaction and conversation, bringing neighbours together through shared appreciation of both contemporary television culture and innovative local artistry.
