9th November a special day

Celebrating Dylan Thomas

Hello Friends, Today I celebrate the life and work of Dylan Thomas who has left us with some of the worlds greatest poetry; inspiring so many, including me! On this special day I'm showcasing my portrait of Thomas himself, drawn as NoGood Boyo from his masterpiece UNDER MILK WOOD. I’m sure Thomas with his implacable sense of irony would have approved of his face being used to illustrate NoGood Boyo. Fortunately I was able to find a vintage photo of Thomas while still very young to use as reference for my drawing. This particular piece of art is called “On a Dab Filled Sea” and is only one of many I’m creating for public exhibition in 2024.

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My UNDER MILK WOOD Arts Project is a personal tribute to Dylan Thomas and the astonishing perception he had in understanding and describing the humanity around him. Fortunately since starting this artistic journey I’ve met with some wonderfully creative people who are willing to share my passion within their own magical fields. I’m delighted to announce that as part of my project I will be working with: Claire Fayers, an exceptionally talented and funny award winning childrens author who will be hosting workshops for schools and younger children. Clare Potter an incrediblly empathetic poet, performer and presenter who will be working with older people seeking ways to develop their own creativity. Jo Mattox, the ceramics Artist in Residence at The MId Wales Arts Centre, who will be working across all age ranges, but especially children, to explore the themes of portraiture, identity and imagination.

Exhibition Details

- Llantarnam Grange: 14th May 2024 - 11th Aug 2024

- The Mid Wales Arts Centre: 14th Aug 2024 - 1st Oct 2024

- MOMA Machynlleth: 1st Feb 2025 - 5th April 2025

Come and immerse yourself in the captivating world of UNDER MILK WOOD, an art exhibition that promises to be like no other. The exhibition will feature 30 of my original drawings and include an especially commissioned soundscape, a short film and workshops that encourage you to tap into your own creativity. For more information please do not hesitate to contact me directly. My contact details are at the bottom of my home page. We are actively seeking more venues to host this arts project so if you can suggest anyone that might be interested please do let me know.

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Lastly today I would also like to share one of my favourite poems by Thomas. I keep it on my desktop always to remind me to hold on to that childlike wonder, keep it locked in my heart and try each day to draw it in my art. I always want to be that child who in wonder is watching the stars. Being but men, we walked into the trees Afraid, letting our syllables be soft For fear of waking the rooks, For fear of coming Noiselessly into a world of wings and cries. If we were children we might climb, Catch the rooks sleeping, and break no twig, And, after the soft ascent, Thrust out our heads above the branches To wonder at the unfailing stars. Out of confusion, as the way is, And the wonder, that man knows, Out of the chaos would come bliss. That, then, is loveliness, we said, Children in wonder watching the stars, Is the aim and the end. Being but men, we walked into the trees.