A SECRETIVE artist has used the image of the Statue of Liberty with a gun to her head to comment on America after the divisive election of Donald Trump.

And although the painting, by the Warrington artist known as Vicki Park or Vike, is owned by a fan in Grappenhall, the artwork has been attracting attention on social media from disillusioned people on the other side of the Atlantic.

Claire James has been collecting pieces by Vicki Park for three years and now has 14 works of art in her home.

The artist chooses to keep their identity secret like the popular street artist Banksy and Claire found this latest work of art, named The State of New York, during an ‘art dump’ where Vicki gives away paintings for free.

Claire explained: “She just dots works of art around and it’s like a treasure hunt. I found this piece at the Toyota garage on Manchester Road just before Christmas, it was a nice present.

“Other people hide them for her and it’s just first come first serve. Even if you buy art from her it’s delivered by someone else.

“It’s fab that she’s so protective of her identity. I have spoken to her but never met her and I would never ask.”

Claire was introduced to Vicki Park’s work by a friend and says she was immediately ‘hooked’.

She claims the Tree of Lost Soles, a popular artwork on Manchester Road in Woolston which was removed by the council in 2015, was by Vicki Park.

The abstract piece was a tree stump with shoes with ‘no soles’ attached to it and Claire added: “I was one of the people who was upset when it was chopped down by the council.”

Claire described Vicki as the ‘Banksy for the north’, saying she likes the artist’s wordplay and focus on political messages.

Vicki Park’s work features images from contemporary culture including politicians like Nigel Farage, brand logos and references to her hometown, like a stencilled image of Pete Postlethwaite.

“I think everyone was outraged and shocked that Trump won the election and I think she uses her art well to comment on things.

“We should be proud of what she does here in Warrington.”

The 46-year-old teaching assistant has hung most of her art in her teenagers’ games room and said: “They just think I’m a trendy mum – not!”

As well as the art treasure hunts, Vicki’s urban artworks have also popped up on doors and walls across the town and the art world has also recognised her talents, with an Australian gallery snapping up a piece of her work for £2,500 in 2014.

The unique artworks are created using stencils and spray paint and Vicki has said she is inspired by street art, painting and illustration.