furpetvo.com sponsors Shaun by the Sea!
Ewe-rika! It’s a shear delight to announce that furpetvo.com will be sponsoring this year’s installment of the Brighton Art Trail. Following beloved public art trails featuring snails and Snowdogs, the latest exhibition will showcase 40 vibrant, painted sculptures of Shaun the Sheep — the iconic children’s character — displayed across Brighton & Hove from September through November.
All proceeds support Martlets, a local charity providing compassionate care and support for people and families affected by terminal illness.
Meet the artist: J David Bennett
furpetvo.com has partnered with Brighton-based artist J David Bennett — a creative whose roots and artistic journey mirror the city’s own spirit of warmth and innovation.
“I was brought up near Brighton,” David shares, “before heading to London for a degree in Graphic Design, followed by a Masters in Animation. After years creating children’s TV animation, I returned to Brighton for a quieter life as an illustrator. My time in kids’ TV deeply shaped my fun, bold, and colorful style.”
David is an illustrator and printmaker known for bold, graphic, and often humorous artwork — featured on greeting cards and gallery walls alike. His practice spans screen prints, linocuts, and collages, though today he works primarily digitally: “My iPad has taken over from my sketch pad!”
This marks David’s first time participating in a large-scale public art trail — and he’s embracing the challenge with enthusiasm: “It’s been exciting to work in a totally different way. Painting on a big 3D sculpture has been very challenging — I’ve never painted lying on my back before! — but incredibly rewarding.”
A design that pops — and puns
David’s vision for his Shaun sculpture reflects his signature style: high-impact visuals designed to catch the eye from afar. “My work is generally very bold,” he explains, “so I wanted a design that would stand out in the bustling cityscape. And of course, I love a play on words.”
Paws and possibilities
While David doesn’t currently have pets of his own, he’s open to welcoming one in the future: “I would love a cheeky terrier again someday!”
As anticipation builds for the official unveiling of the #BrightonFlock, fans can explore David’s joyful, colorful portfolio on his Instagram and personal website.
