Llanddwyn Island – A collection of shells in steel, copper and bronze
During my time away from North Wales whilst studying at university in Hereford, my work was inspired by a sense of “Hiraeth”, a Welsh word that translates to a longing for home and the people and places familiar to me.
My particular focus was Llanddwyn, an island of great significance in Welsh culture due to the legend of St Dwynwen, the patron saint of lovers in Wales. Her day is celebrated on the 25th January.
For this project I responded to the location and history by making a series of objects that would act as a talisman, taking an audience back to Llanddwyn in spirit. It is a place of breath-taking beauty and a perfect example of ‘spirit of place’.
I created a series of hot forged oyster shell forms in steel, copper and bronze, inspired by the sea worn shells to be found on the island. My shells are very tactile, and convey the spirit of this inspirational place. Some were stamped with the map co-ordinates of the precise beach that inspired them, rooting them to the location. My project entailed returning the created ‘shells’ to the island for a period of time, being scattered on the beach as an art installation. Images of this event, including film and still photographs, were part of my final degree presentation. The public were invited to interact with the steel, copper and bronze shells, some being gifted with steel versions stamped with “atgof.com” . They were then asked to take their shell travelling with them., and record the new shell location on the atgof.com website blog or Facebook page.
During my time away from North Wales whilst studying at university in Hereford, my work was inspired by a sense of “Hiraeth”, a Welsh word that translates to a longing for home and the people and places familiar to me.
My particular focus was Llanddwyn, an island of great significance in Welsh culture due to the legend of St Dwynwen, the patron saint of lovers in Wales. Her day is celebrated on the 25th January.
For this project I responded to the location and history by making a series of objects that would act as a talisman, taking an audience back to Llanddwyn in spirit. It is a place of breath-taking beauty and a perfect example of ‘spirit of place’.
I created a series of hot forged oyster shell forms in steel, copper and bronze, inspired by the sea worn shells to be found on the island. My shells are very tactile, and convey the spirit of this inspirational place. Some were stamped with the map co-ordinates of the precise beach that inspired them, rooting them to the location. My project entailed returning the created ‘shells’ to the island for a period of time, being scattered on the beach as an art installation. Images of this event, including film and still photographs, were part of my final degree presentation. The public were invited to interact with the steel, copper and bronze shells, some being gifted with steel versions stamped with “atgof.com” . They were then asked to take their shell travelling with them., and record the new shell location on the atgof.com website blog or Facebook page.