Plas Glynn Y Weddw

After the dire warnings of snow and ice, a lovely cold but bright day for a drive up to the Llyn. I had a meeting today with Mari at Plas Glynn Y Weddw, Llanbedrog about a post Australia exhibition.
I showed at the Plas years ago with my Llyn Coastal Path series but haven't really been back properly until now. Which is a shame as it's a beautiful old house set in lovely grounds with simply stunning views across Cardigan Bay.

Plas Glynn Y Weddw

The interior is all deep reds and carved woodwork, black and white beams and large ceiling bosses. It even has a huge stained glass window above the central staircase. What a perfect location to start the  exhibitions featuring my new project. This project will take the patterning inspiration from Australia and apply it to the birds and animals of Wales. It will also explore their place in Welsh folklore and mythic history and throw in a good dollop of medieval illustration for good measure. The result? A Modern Welsh Bestiary. ( Sort of)

Just magnificent. The main hall at Plas Glynn y Weddw

I very much enjoyed the birds and animals I drew in Australia and was of course hugely inspired by the  animals, and their place in indigenous life and culture, printed by the Torres Strait Islanders. Artists  Like Billy Missi, Brian Robinson and Joel Sam whom I met and worked with at the Djumbunji Press workshop.

My initial attempt to begin integrating pattern into picture began with a little sketch I had of the Ibis. In which the pattern is within the bird.

The Ibis of Ideas

In the next birdie attempt I experimented with the pattern as informative decoration and background to the birds. The patterns come from the local plants and animals: palm tree fronds, green ants and mangrove tree roots, etc. 

The three Ibis: Idea, Introspection & Doubt.

I got very involved when working on these prints and very excited to be doing something different, so when thinking about a new show it seemed straightforward to take this part of my Australian trip and apply it back home.

I am working on some outstanding prints at the moment but in the background the sketches are gathering for the Bestiary project. I'm getting a bit twitchy about starting this, which is always a very good sign.....

Next the tractor and birds I promised before, oh and a lighthouse..