The Mindful Elephant
Created by: Ruthi Elizabeth
Location: Victoria Park – Memorial
Overview
Artist Ruthie Elizabeth believes creativity is a source of healing, and has produced a selection of colouring books which, in her words, are designed to “uplift spirits and bring solace in a world that often rushes by. Minds become calm, hearts find refuge, and creativity blossoms anew.” Ruthi’s Elephant is inspired by her most recent book, the Masquerade Journey to Mindfulness and the colours and mask are taken from the
book cover design. It incorporates traditional mandala designs and words associated with elephants and the benefits of mindfulness.
Location
Victoria Park – Memorial
Meet the Artist
Ruthi Elizabeth
At the heart of every creation is a journey that shaped its essence.
My life took an unexpected turn when illness intervened. Yet, it was through this challenge that my creativity became a source of healing. Drawing from my passion, I embarked on various ventures, from crafting award-winning Rag Dolls to capturing the essence of beloved pets through Pet Portraits.
In 2020, I found herself returning to my artistic roots. Fueled by a desire to share the healing power of holding a pencil. I created the first of many Colouring Books. These books aren’T just pages to be filled; they are canvases of serenity, designed to uplift spirits and bring solace in a world that often rushes by.
Today, I stand as a guiding force behind a movement that celebrates the therapeutic magic of colouring. Through workshops I have seen the transformative effects of colouring firsthand. Minds become calm, hearts find refuge, and creativity blossoms anew.
Meet the Elephants
Poppy
Created by: St Peter & St Paul Pre- SchoolLocation: LOROS Market Street Shop - windowThe children were very excited when our baby elephant arrived and after a a discussion on names and a voting poll on our facebook page, Poppy was the favourite name. The children...
Paddy
Created by: St Patrick's Catholic Voluntary AcademyLocation: King Richard III Visitor CentreMeet ‘Paddy’ from Saint Patrick’s Catholic Voluntary Academy in the heart of the Belgrave area of Leicester. As the Patron Saint of our school, the image of Saint Patrick...
Banjowe
Created by: St John the Baptist Primary SchoolLocation: Leicester Guidehall- Great HallThe school is a happy and diverse place, with children with heritage from all over the world. The pupils wanted to reflect their own cultural backgrounds in their design for Banjo,...
The Day and Elephant Came to St. Cuthbert’s
Created by: St Cuthbert's C of E Primary SchoolLocation: Phoenix Cinema and Arts CentreAfter welcoming our elephant, the children created their own design and worked with our Arts specialist to illustrate our elephant and bring her to life.Phoenix Cinema and Arts...
Sparky the Doodlephant
Created by: Sparkenhoe Primary SchoolSponsored by: Hastings DirectLocation: Highcross Upper Mall - John Lewis bridgeThe pupils were inspired by the art of Keith Haring, Mr Doodle and Doodle Boy. They considered all of the aspects of school life that make Sparkenhoe...
Charnie
Created by: South Charnwood High SchoolLocation: Phoenix Cinema and Arts CentreMany South Charnwood High School pupils joined our competition to design Charnie. Two joint winners and three runners-up were chosen for designs embodying school life. These pupils then...
Hope
Created by: Snarestone Church of England Primary SchoolLocation: Highcross Upper Mall - John Lewis bridge Hope, our baby elephant, is a vibrant symbol of our school and village. One side features a swan, heron and kingfisher, representing our class names and a nod to...
PUZZLE
Created by: Sherrier C of E Primary SchoolLocation: Leicester Central Library - upstairsOur pupils designed Puzzle based on Sherrier's curriculum and our local community. The pupils had the chance to discuss what 'Sherrier' in Leicestershire meant to them and then...
Nature
Created by: Rushey Mead AcademyLocation: Belgrave LibraryTwo student groups from Rushey Mead Academy took a lead on coordinating the decoration of the baby elephant. The Wildlife Warriors and Student Voice Action Team. They started by surveying the whole school for a...