Glenn Martin.
THE creator of the dragon sculpture proposed for Coppins Bridge hopes the artwork will prompt people to stop and think about recycling.
Newport artist Glenn Martin has worked with students at Clatterford Tuition Centre to create the Wight Dragon from recycled materials.
He said: "It upsets me to see what a throwaway society we have and how it spoils the natural world.
"Our world is precious, its natural resources are not inexhaustible. Western society has become very consumer driven in my opinion.
"It is easy to just throw something away and never give it a second thought.
"It is my hope that with the help of others, I can address this issue with the skills I have."
The Wight Dragon — which is 4.5 metres tall, three metres from wingtip to wingtip and has illuminated eyes — is planned for the centre of Coppins Bridge, sparking concerns it could distract motorists.
Glenn, who is used to controversy having created Temptation nightclub’s serpent sculpture, said it was not his idea to install the piece at Coppins Bridge but defended the location. He said there had been a thorough risk assessment and added that the solar-powered illuminations would not be bright.
"You have the Angel of the North next to a main motorway," he said.
"If you can have something like that, why not something like this?"
Reporter: martinn@iwcpmail.co.uk