Graduate artist achieves billboard success in Northampton

An artist from Northampton is celebrating billboard success – with a piece of her tropical island art recently on display in the town centre.

Northampton born Caroline Thake, 28, first established her artistic credentials at The University of Northampton when she completed a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design. She then went on to Nottingham Trent University and graduated a few years ago with a BA in Fine Art.

Caroline's artwork has been hung on the prominent Kettering Road billboard for two weeks - bringing a little piece of tropical island paradise to local shoppers.

Caroline explained:

The billboard presents a dreamy tropical island and places it within the fabric of the city landscape, allowing it to float on brick and hover above an empty shop. Billboards are usually used by companies who want to sell a product and they tend to present the viewer with a pleasing image or concept and connect it to this product. My intention was to give the people a pleasing image,and from there hopefully a little space to dream.

With this project I have aimed to make art more accessible. This piece was the first time my work has been put into the public domain, and I hope it will have had a positive effect on the community.

Caroline was able to take part in the billboard project thanks to a TD Lewis Scholarship of £1,000 from The University of Northampton.