Features - Gina Baker Illustration

Waddle on Sea – Can You Crack The Penguin Code?

Exciting News: 🐧 Cracking the Penguin Code in Southend!

It’s official—my sculpture titled “Can You Crack the Penguin Code?” has joined the flipper-tastic ranks of the Waddle-on-Sea art trail in Southend-on-Sea, and I couldn’t be more excited! From now until September 3rd, it’ll be standing proud alongside a colony of creative penguins, each with its own splash of personality and imagination.

I have been working on this behind the scenes for months and frequent followers on Facebook and Instagram will have caught glimpses of my sculpture which I can now fully reveal!

A huge thank you to Southend-on-Sea City Council, my wonderful sponsor, for backing this joyful project and bringing my sculpture to life. Their support has made it possible for the penguin code (I’ve affectionately nicknamed him ‘Percy’) to take its place on the trail and be part of a city-wide celebration of creativity, curiosity, and community. You can even spot him featured on their homepage, alongside Cllr Matt Dent, who’s championing the event.

🐾 A Trail of Clues and Curiosity

Percy isn’t just standing around looking dapper—he’s inviting you to solve a snowy mystery. His design includes:

🐟 A trail of fish to follow and crack the hidden message
🍋 A quirky lemon juggler (always need lemons with fish!)
👣 Baby penguin footprints dotted through the scene (so THAT’S who is doing those!)
🏨 The charming little “Pengu-Inn” (a place to huddle!)
🦭 A friendly seal companion (loving the ball!)

Every detail celebrates teamwork and curiosity, encouraging trail-goers of all ages to look closer, laugh louder, and solve together.

🎨 A Bit About Me

I’m Gina, an illustrator who creates designs inspired by nature, technology, and everyday wonder. My artwork often explores themes of wellbeing, connection, and a touch of playful charm.

The official Waddle-on-Sea site features a lovely artist bio about my work and the inspirations behind Percy, which I’m so proud to be part of.

🗺️ Get Involved in the Waddle

Want to join the penguin parade? There are plenty of ways to explore – You will find us in:

📱 Download the Waddle-on-Sea app to track sculptures and uncover their stories
📖 Dive into the activity book—full of games, puzzles, and penguin facts
🗺️ Grab a trail map and head into Southend for a full-on flipper fest

You’ll find links to all these on my webpage, which also showcases more relatable projects you will love —each one designed to delight, connect, and surprise.

💙 Penguins with Purpose

This trail is raising funds for Havens Hospices, supporting families with specialist care when they need it most. It’s creativity with heart, bringing colour to the streets and compassion to the community.

So whether you’re on a summer stroll or a penguin mission, I hope you’ll visit Can You Crack the Penguin Code?, snap a photo, and maybe even solve the puzzle. Let’s celebrate Southend’s penguin party—one curious clue at a time. 🐧✨

I hope you get a chance to visit and enjoy all the fantastic sculptures on display!

March: the fresh energy of spring!

March is here, and with it comes the fresh energy of spring! The days are getting longer, the daffodils are blooming, and there’s a real sense of renewal in the air. It’s the perfect time to shake off the winter blues and embrace all the wonderful things this month has to offer.

One of the highlights of March is International Women’s Day (March 8th), a fantastic moment to celebrate the achievements of women everywhere. Whether it’s supporting a female-owned business – like this one 😉 – attending an inspiring event, or simply taking time to appreciate the incredible women in your life, it’s a day to feel empowered and connected.

Then there’s Mother’s Day (March 10th in the UK), a lovely chance to show appreciation for the mums, grandmothers, and mother figures who do so much. Whether you’re being pampered or pampering someone special, it’s a day filled with love and gratitude.

And let’s not forget the first official day of spring (March 20th)! With nature waking up, it’s a wonderful time to get outdoors, enjoy a countryside walk, or even start a little gardening.

March is a month of hope, warmth, and fresh beginnings. So, please take a deep breath, soak in the sunshine (when it appears!), and embrace all the positivity this season brings!

February: the little things that warm the heart

February has a quiet kind of charm. It’s a bridge between winter’s chill and the first whispers of spring, a month where the days begin to stretch just a little longer, offering glimpses of light and hope. It’s a time for cozy evenings, heartfelt gestures, and small celebrations of love in all its forms.

There’s something beautiful about the simplicity of February. It invites us to slow down and savor the moments we might otherwise rush past—a warm drink on a frosty morning, a handwritten note to someone we care about, or the comfort of home when the world feels cold. These little joys remind us that love isn’t always about grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s found in the quiet presence of someone who makes life a little brighter.

While Valentine’s Day may take the spotlight, February celebrates more than romantic love. It’s about connection: with friends, family, and even ourselves. It’s a time to reach out with kindness and gratitude, to appreciate the people and places that make life feel full, even in the quieter seasons.

As winter begins to loosen its grip, February whispers of renewal. It encourages us to reflect on the past while looking ahead with hope. Whether through a shared laugh, a thoughtful gift, or the smallest kindnesses, this month reminds us that love—no matter how it’s expressed—is what truly warms the heart.

So, as you embrace the season of connection, why not send a card, share a thoughtful message, or find something meaningful to brighten someone’s day? It’s the little things that make February unforgettable.

With love

January: A Fresh Start

Designing Spaces for the Year Ahead

January is synonymous with fresh beginnings and renewed energy, making it the perfect time to refresh your living spaces. This month offers an ideal opportunity to reimagine your interiors, creating calm, sophisticated, and purposeful environments that inspire elegance and clarity.

For a January makeover, embrace clean lines and tranquil colour palettes. Soft blues, muted greens, and crisp whites reflect the frosty landscapes of the season, infusing your spaces with an airy, uncluttered feel. These hues promote serenity, making them perfect for both relaxation and productivity.

Consider starting the year with a standout piece for your living room or office. A coastal scene with its endless horizon can inspire thoughts of possibility, while a countryside-inspired print adds grounding warmth.

January is also a great time to refresh and reorganize. Pair your chosen artwork with sleek storage solutions and minimalist decor to create functional and inviting spaces. Pay attention to lighting as well—natural light enhances the rich, textured details of any artwork, making it a focal point in any room.

Let your spaces reflect the clarity and purpose you aspire to achieve in the year ahead. Ask us which pieces from Gina Baker match your scheme. Choosing art that resonates with the soul, combined with thoughtful design, creates an environment that inspires daily and evolves with you.

Light the South – Healthy Oceans

Commission

I was really pleased to be selected for the Light the South 2024 trail in Southampton with a design that really reasonated with my life and passions. This was a wonderful project to be part of!

Growing Up by the Sea

As someone who grew up on the coast, the ocean has always been a part of me. Its rhythms, colours and mysteries shaped my childhood – now they shape my art. When I designed a lighthouse sculpture for Southampton Children’s Hospital, I knew I wanted to create something that celebrated both healthy oceans and human healing.

A Sculpture with Heart

At the centre of my design is a large heart, symbolizing love, care and the vital signs of our planet. This heart wraps around the lighthouse and transforms into lungs, filled with vibrant coral branches and marine life; a visual metaphor for a flourishing, healthy ocean.

A stethoscope, adorned with a life-ring motif and a sailboat, listens attentively to the heart. It’s a nod to the hospital’s mission of care and monitoring and a reminder that the health of our oceans and our bodies are deeply connected.

The Ocean in Motion

The backdrop of the sculpture is alive with shades of blue and turquoise, capturing the animated spirit of the sea. Fish swim in and out of the heart, lungs and a fish tank at the base of the sculpture. This tank represents the circulatory system of the ocean: fish ‘blood’ flows from red (oxygenated) to blue (deoxygenated), symbolizing a thriving and well cared for ecosystem.

A Personal Tribute

Inside the tank, you’ll find two sandcastles. This is a deeply personal tribute to my father, who recently passed away from cancer. He loved building sandcastles with me and my siblings and this small detail is my way of keeping his memory alive in a piece that’s all about care, connection and legacy.

Art That Breathes

This sculpture is more than just a lighthouse. It’s a beacon of hope, a celebration of resilience, and a reminder that the health of our oceans and our communities are intertwined. I hope it inspires viewers to reflect on the beauty of the sea, the importance of care and the power of memory.

The Henries Awards…

And this happened…

Our funky animals card range is shortlisted for the highly competitive national Henries Card Awards Contemporary Trend!

Out of 110 different publishers and 300 company entries! How awesome would it be if we won. But shortlisted in itself is a massive AMAZING achievement ! Our funky animals are super cute and cheeky!

Top Gull Blue

Cards

This maverick seagull takes being a bird to another level. Definitely top gull!