Artist Statement

The core subject of my work addresses cultural identity through an examination of resilience, particularly highlighted by events in Welsh history, whilst also celebrating the present.

My intention has been to capture this sense of identity in a powerful and evocative way, not only through a nostalgic lens but by emphasising the continued sense of community, integrity, and pride which persists in the here and now. My practice embraces photography in a creative and sculptural manner, through screen print, etching, and engraving onto metal salvaged from the Swansea valley, South Wales.

Materiality is important to me in highlighting the current challenging economic climate of the region, particularly the steel industry and Port Talbot. My practice seeks to celebrate the “here and now” referred to by artist Robert Rauschenberg, along with the “glistening speech of everyday objects” referenced in the book Story Lines by photographer Robert Frank.

My current project has been initiated by focusing on two established engineering sites on the outskirts of Swansea and a factory in the Amman Valley. There is a real sense of craft in every generation. Despite challenging times in the steel industry, there remains a strong sense of community, camaraderie, and humour. This has served as the catalyst for the production of two books comprising photographs which are to be presented at the MA Research Festival: one of a sculptural nature crafted entirely from steel, and one from archival board with a more playful perspective. I have also been struck by the phrase “images of everydayness” used by artist/photographer Johnny Pitts in describing his work whilst referencing his book Home is not a place. His intention of evoking a “softness” and “gentleness” within his practice is something I seek to embrace.

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