Home / ITRM Insights / News / The Story Behind Solar Bear: Creativity, Community and Care
02 Jun 2026
Before diving into the story behind Solar Bear, we had the chance to meet the artist behind the design.
In this short video, Jessie shares a glimpse into the inspiration, thought process and personal meaning woven into her bear. From childhood memories to themes of resilience and self-belief, Solar Bear is more than just a piece of art; it’s a story brought to life.
Watch the video below to hear directly from Jessie, then explore the full interview to learn more about the ideas, challenges and community impact behind the design.
Solar Bear is a concept of adventure and following dreams.
When we think of dreams, we think of wishing on stars, reaching goals, or simply what we experience when we close our eyes. This design brings those ideas together. It is about trusting the process, even when you cannot see the finish line. The journey is just as valuable, especially as it is where we grow and change the most.
The bear features the constellations Ursa Minor, Ursa Major, Orion and Centaurus. The two Ursa constellations represent bears, while Orion is the hunter, which is a subtle reference to the Bear Hunt exhibition.
I wanted to create something that connects people. Teddy bears are such an important part of childhood, offering comfort and companionship at night. Solar Bear is designed to act as a guide and guardian, reminding each person of self-belief and strength.
The inspiration comes from bedtime stories and nostalgia. I had a teddy bear and a baby blanket growing up that felt completely unique to me. I believe that is something many people relate to, and I wanted to reflect that emotional connection.
I also wanted to highlight the beauty of the night and allow the exhibition to shine even in the dark. The idea of trusting your senses and navigating without clear visibility influenced the design, making it interactive and accessible.
The scarf on Solar Bear is a personal touch, inspired by my childhood blanket. Blankets represent warmth, comfort and security, which I wanted to carry into the bear’s story and personality.
Incorporating braille was the most rewarding yet challenging part of the project. It allowed me to better understand the experiences of visually impaired individuals and highlighted how much more inclusive the world can be.
The quotes on Solar Bear also became meaningful to me during the process. They gave me motivation and reminded me to keep going, reinforcing the importance of affirmations in achieving goals.
My big sister, Ellen, originally encouraged me to apply. After being selected, I discovered that ellenor hospice was where my grandmother, Shirley, received care before she passed away after her second battle with cancer.
This connection made the project deeply personal. It felt like a way to reconnect with my grandmother. I was also born in Dartford and grew up in Northfleet, so it helped me reconnect with my roots and community.
It became a responsibility. Knowing Solar Bear would be part of a wider trail made the message even stronger.
Realising that the project continues beyond the exhibition showed how impactful it is for the community. It has been an honour to contribute, raise funds, and connect with other artists while developing my own creative voice.
Braille was an essential part of the design from the beginning. I wanted visually impaired individuals and younger audiences to interact with the bear in a meaningful way.
Adding texture and dimension allowed the bear to communicate beyond sight. It brings together different perspectives and helps people understand how braille works through touch.
The tactile elements were added later once I understood their importance in helping visually impaired individuals visualise images. Feedback from Adrian Pearce, a visually impaired councillor, was incredibly valuable in refining these elements.
This project allowed me to learn directly from the community. Visiting Walthew House helped me understand how people navigate daily life, including how music, colour and sound are used for accessibility.
I also learned about Grade 1 braille and worked to ensure accuracy by creating my own stencil and using translation guides. Feedback confirmed that the braille on Solar Bear is readable, which was incredibly rewarding.
I hope Solar Bear resonates with people, whether through nostalgia, inspiration or curiosity.
More importantly, I hope it encourages people to think differently, appreciate accessibility, and see the value in creating inclusive experiences.
I break my process into stages, starting with materials and planning. Having a test sample helped me experiment and identify challenges early.
I also collaborated with other artists, such as Shona Van Aswegen, to share feedback and ideas.
My process involves experimenting, adapting, and problem-solving. Things often do not go to plan, but that is where the most growth happens.
Working at The Vale in Mossley was a highlight. Being surrounded by creative people made it easier to share ideas and overcome challenges.
Involving my family also made the experience more memorable. Moments like moving the bear together added humour and personal value to the project.
Even during the creation process, people would stop and react to the bear. Seeing their curiosity made me realise how impactful art can be.
I imagine the trail will feel similar but on a much larger scale, with people discovering and connecting with the bear in their own way.
I would love to know what each person takes from it.
Solar Bear has already had a big impact on me, and I hope it inspires others to keep chasing their dreams and trust the process.
I would love to work on similar community-driven projects and collaborate again with ellenor.
I am also interested in exploring sustainable materials and creating work that raises awareness around environmental issues. Ultimately, I want to create pieces that connect with people and inspire positive change.