'He's big, wild, free and untamed... isn't that an awful thing for art to be.'
Those were the words of Taverham artist Damian O'Connor following the most recent spate of sightings of his 'War Horse' at a number of locations around Norfolk.
Mr O'Connor, who was ordered by Norfolk County Council to stop placing the 10ft high horse made from wood and steel at roundabouts over safety concerns, has defied the instruction.
The horse, which weighs a ton and is on a trailer, was last week spotted in Taverham, at the Fakenham roundabout and on the Cromer Road at the weekend.
It was at the Fakenham Road/Beech Road junction on Monday.
He said: 'I'm getting umpteen requests for him to appear at carol services and commemoration services.
'I've also had a number of requests from people to house him, but being housed doesn't really go with his spirit.
'Being free and moving around has been part of his appeal.'
Mr O'Connor said he had met with county council officials last month regarding the placement of the horse.
'We discussed issues regarding its public display and their concerns over its display at roundabouts,' he said.
'That was about three weeks ago and they promised to come back to me but I have heard nothing further.'
Regarding his continued defiance, Mr O'Connor said: 'He stands for all horses everywhere, past and present and at a deeper, level, a silent tribute to all the world's dreadful suffering while we blindly squander infinite global resources on defence and frippery.
'Winter is also a time to reflect and if a big lonely horse prompts thoughts of what's important, be it freedom of expression, the past, our behaviour and skewed priorities, Norfolk roundabouts are proving ideal.
'I'm told his surprise creates many a smile. In the dismal cold and wet of winter, isn't that a good thing?'
A county council spokesperson said: 'We met Damian in November to talk about where the War Horse sculpture can be displayed and since then we've been in the process of assessing a number of suitable locations we'd be happy for him to use.'
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