Land, sea and sky
Seven artists celebrate the coastline of Wales and Cornwall at Cardiff’s Albany Gallery this month
THE coastlines of Wales and Cornwall are the subject of the new exhibition at Cardiff’s Albany Gallery.
The show features work by Peter Cronin, Dai David, Thomas Haskett, Sian Mcgill, Peter Morgan, Paul Sims and Rhona Tooze and covers media ranging from oils and acrylics to batik.
Paul Sims created most of his work for the exhibition during the pandemic. The former graphic designer used to work at BBC Wales before moving to London where he headed up a team responsible for the first introduction of online computer graphic systems. He was a senior executive and creative director, designing, directing and supervising visual effects sequences for TV commercials, broadcast programmes and feature films.
Then, in 2003, he decided to relocate to Cornwall with his family and pursue his lifelong ambition of becoming a successful artist.
He says: “The reference material is from the coast around my home in Lelant near St Ives. The view across the bay is always an inspiration and it changes every day. If I ever tire of that amazing vista on the approach to St Ives, it is time to give up.
“I try to paint the power, weight and movement of the waves. They are a joy to paint, usually taking a few weeks each, and I hope people enjoy viewing the images.”
Rhona Tooze, based in Swansea, is an expert in batik, the ancient art of wax-resist dyeing. Her collection of works include many Welsh coastal locations, from Tenby, Rhossili Beach, Three Cliffs Bay and the famous Langland huts.
She says: “Batik is the art of wax-resist dyeing, mainly on cloth. It’s very popular in Indonesia, where it’s part of an ancient tradition. It is an exciting medium, but painting with hot wax is dangerous and I often burn myself.
“The thought process needed is similar to screen printing, but only one image is produced. It is smelly and messy, but the results are always a wonderful surprise.
“I was thrilled to be asked to submit work for this show as the brief is perfect for my style and medium,” she adds. “I live on the edge of Gower and I’ve always been inspired by the sea and surroundings. Portraying all these elements in batik, using hot wax and dye on fabric, is an absolute joy.”
The exhibition also features Peter Cronin’s depictions of Lower Fishguard and Angle, Dai David’s oil paintings of Caswell Bay and Oxwich Bay and Peter Morgan’s atmospheric coastal views from Marloes to Abereiddi.
There are also Thomas Haskett’s paintings of Nolton Haven and Dinas Head and Sian Mcgill’s acrylics, which feature Brandy Cove and Solva.
■ The exhibition runs until April 29. More details can be found at www.albanygallery.com
of working. I hadn’t realised there are so many alternatives including bio-degradable Sellotape and double-sided tape which are available in most newsagents. You can buy algae-based printing inks and I’ve even started to make my own iron gall ink. I believe the experience has enriched and opened up possibilities and new areas of research in my work.
“Children from Tre Uchaf Primary School made prints from recycled cardboard that they collected and we used eco-friendly inks and recycled tissue and coloured sugar papers to make sheets of repeat patterns collaboratively. These were then used to clothe a cardboard sculpture of a woman in a Welsh costume.
“Children were inspired by the works of Yinka Shonibare and local artist and Eisteddfod gold medal winner Dan Trivedy.
“In St Helen’s Primary School, children were exploring the theme of celebrations so we used eco-friendly and recycled materials to create printed greetings cards based on a celebration of their choice. Sharon, Alice and Sue from our crafties group have been working with participants to learn how to use a sewing machine and recycle pre-loved fabric, transforming old bedding into tote bags.”
Mark Folds is an artist, educator and activist specialising in making 3D objects and responding to specific locations and contexts. Since 1983, he