The Great Tail Trail: Creating Mystic Tide

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Original Sketch of 'Mystic Tide' by Pia Elliot

I first discovered The Great Tail Trail on social media and instantly knew I wanted to be involved. The project offered the chance to decorate a spectacular mermaid tail sculpture in support of Julia’s House Children’s Hospice, as part of a public sculpture trail across Bournemouth, Poole, and Christchurch. The prospect of creating on such a grand scale was exhilarating, a creative challenge that pushed the boundaries of my practice while supporting an incredible local cause. Julia’s House is a Dorset based charity I’ve admired since childhood, so having the opportunity to contribute to their vital work felt deeply meaningful. I was also drawn to the idea of bringing bold, vibrant, and accessible art to the heart of the BCP community. This is a behind the scenes look at the project and at the mer-mazing charity that inspired it all.

Who are Julias House Children’s Hospice?

Julias House provide specialist care to children with life limiting and complex conditions. They support children and their families, giving each family a chance to have magical moments and memories they can cherish. Their amazing nurses and carers bring fun and laughter, clinical care and compassion to the children they support, giving exhausted parents a much-needed break from around the clock care, with the peace of mind their child is in safe hands. Their work helps transform the lives of families with complex needs, with the Great Trail Trail aiming to raise funds, so that they can continue this vital work. The inspiration for the mermaid tail sculptures came from their Mermaid Suite in Corfe Mullen, Poole. This suite is for children and their families receiving end of life care.

Inspiration and Design Process

Pen and Ink Ideas/ 'Mystic Tide' Mood-board by Pia Elliot

The design concept was inspired by the magical world beneath the waves, combining the mermaid theme with elements typically found in the ocean’s depths. I chose to express these details through intricate pattern, staying true to my style while embracing the fluidity and movement of the sea. For the colour palette, I stepped away from my usual black and white, embracing a more vibrant, mermaid-inspired scheme. Shimmering rose gold, soft lilacs, and ocean blues brought a sense of depth and iridescence to the piece, echoing the light catching beauty of underwater life.

After sketching out initial ideas and gathering inspiration, I developed a mood board to guide the design process and keep my vision focused. Applying pattern to complement a three dimensional form felt like a natural progression, building on my experience with animal forms. Once the concept began to take shape, I titled the piece Mystic Tide, a name that captures the enchanted, otherworldly quality of the underwater world as imagined through a mermaid’s eyes.

First Impressions

Having been selected to paint a tail, reality set in, I needed to find a space big enough to house it. With just a week to go before delivery, I set to work clearing out my parents’ garage, transforming it into a makeshift studio just in time for its arrival.

When the sculpture finally arrived, it was a moment of pure excitement. Seeing the tail in real life, so much larger and more striking than I’d imagined, filled me with creative energy. My mind immediately began racing with ideas, and I couldn’t wait to get started. That afternoon, I got to work: sanding, washing, and applying the base layer of paint, ready to bring Mystic Tide to life.

An excited Pia with her tail when it arrived

Painting Process

The painting process was incredibly enjoyable, even though it took place during one of the busiest times of the year. In between a full schedule of Christmas craft fairs and commission work, I spent freezing evenings working on the sculpture, wrapped in layers, yet completely absorbed in the creative flow. It took around three weeks to carefully sketch out the front of the design, following my original concept. I’ll admit, the scales at the base of the design took far longer than anticipated, between sketching and painting, that section alone took nearly a month to complete. However, this intricate detail became a focal point of the sculpture, and once finished, the striking visual impact made every hour feel worthwhile.

For the back, I hadn’t submitted a design, so I took a more intuitive approach free-styling the design as I went, trusting my creative instinct. I used bolder, larger shapes in contrast to the front, adding depth to the sculpture as a whole. Despite the cold and long hours, I loved every moment of bringing Mystic Tide to life.

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Work In Progress Pics

Finished Tail, Public Reaction and Auction

I was genuinely proud of the finished sculpture. Once complete, Mystic Tide was placed in Bournemouth’s arcade for two months as a part of the public art trail. There were over 50 large and mini tails placed around the BCP area all decorated by artists and local schools/ communities. 

The reaction to Mystic Tide was incredibly heartwarming. I received such kind and thoughtful feedback, people often commented on the level of detail and even told me it was their favourite tail on the trail. That positive response gave me a real boost in confidence and made the experience all the more meaningful.

When the trail came to an end, it was bittersweet. I felt sad to see it conclude, but also full of anticipation for the charity auction. I was hopeful that Mystic Tide would help raise valuable funds for Julia’s House, and was thrilled when she sold for a generous £3,200. The trail as a whole raised over £200,000, and I felt deeply honoured to have played a small part in such a powerful and inspiring project.

Pia Elliot with 'Mystic Tide'

Reflection

Reflecting on the project, Mystic Tide marked an important step in my creative journey. Working on such a large and public piece challenged me to adapt, evolve, and trust my artistic instincts in new ways. It also reminded me of the power art has to connect people, spark conversation while support meaningful causes. The warmth and kindness I received throughout the project was unforgettable and being able to contribute to Julia’s House made every late night and freezing evening in the garage more than worth it. I’m incredibly grateful to have been part of The Great Tail Trail.