With my time in Wales coming to an end, and a new term in London excitingly looming. I've been making it a priority to just aimlessly dwell in the beautiful land that surrounds me. 

One of my favourite and most peaceful places to walk is Bishops wood. A stretch of woodland, which follows the river between Parkmill and Ilston. It holds the ruins of the first baptist church in Wales - a beautiful place of peace, with few people and the odd dog. 

On my way back, i followed a smaller, more overgrown path and tried to capture the incredible light. Just imagine the steady sounds of water flowing, bees buzzing and wild flowers gently blowing under the sun. AMAZING! 

Afterwards, i walked into Parkmill and took the track to Three cliffs Bay through the valley. Usually i approach the bay via the castle above the dunes. But there was something quite dramatic about viewing the castle from below, and approaching the beach via the valley bed which often floods with water at high tides. 

I love the turquoise streak of light in this image. 

Walking up from Caswell Bay last week i noticed the beautiful wild flowers. I learnt long ago never to pick, when i got told off for stealing a bluebell. So i had to go back and take some photos... to settle the erg. 

On a different note, my wonderful friend Bethan drew me! I think its completely amazing, and always impresses me when people can draw so realistically. Check out her blog here! Shes great :)

Sketchbook work

My recent trip to Sri Lanka (see previous post) has been a massive influence on my current uni project. Im looking at, how the arrival of the children and there joyful spirits can create a home in a once worn torn building. I was influenced massively by learning that it hadn't rained in the north of Sri Lanka for 5 months. Whilst we were there the well water level went down drastically and if they don't see rain in the next few weeks they won't see any all year. This means trips to the dirty lake to wash, bath and for the children even drink. 

A longing for Rain. 

Theses few pieces came from experimenting with mono printing and lino cuts. 

Words i wrote whilst up north....

{Shredded leaves, grooved trunks, 

make a weary bustle on the dusty streets. 

Burnt land, a sign of what once was, 

close encounters pulled from history, 

makes past very present and tears very evident.

 The temple screeches, whilst the bread van hums. 

Rural sound forms large trails.

Months of lack, when will it come. 

Rain knows no company here - it flees before the pounce.

 A longing beyond control,

 leave it to the Gods - the street side temple holds un-evident results.}

Sri Lanka

A couple of weeks ago myself and Warren got back from Sri Lanka. It was an extraordinary month, such a different experience from when i went before. We mainly visited the East coast and North with a burst of Colombo and Kandy in between. 

It was a true adventure, we felt very much part of the community there and less like tourists - we worked with a charity out there, and connected deeply with two of the guys who live in and run centres in the East and up in the North. These centres care, love, feed and teach the poorest of the poor amongst the rural communities. 

Many of the children have experienced the effects of the civil war, and through conversation we learnt alot about how the war has damaged the homes and livelihood of families. Although the war is over, there is still a great feeling of unsettlement amongst the land in the north. We drove over what once was a battlefield and the striking bareness of vast grey sand, made me think of the crimes taken place. We passed miles of land where de-mining was happening, and ruins of buildings line every street. 

Despite what has happened in Sri lanka the people we encountered were the most gentlest and welcoming. It was a joy and honour to spend time with the staff and children, we formed friendships over rice and curry and got the chance to serve them in what felt like such small ways. 

My most treasured moments were.... 

1. Having the opportunity to simply listen to the most amazing people tell stories about the country and its people. 
2. Share food with new friends
3. Watch the beautiful girls sing and dance in the lake.
4. Creating, making and playing with the children
5. Moments of worship and prayer with individuals. 

Friendship bracelet making.

Bracelet Making with the teachers (there only around 19/20 themselves!)

Butterfly colouring.

A community on the East coast.

Girls dancing amongst the fishing boats.

A community centre.

Drumming on water tanks.

Sewing hair accessories.

The centre in the North.

Bag making & decorating.

Colours of Slave Island.

Ramadan in Slave Island.