WYTHNOS PEDWAR DEG PEDWAR & PUMP - week fourty four and five

23/06/25

These past couple of weeks have felt like a bit of a whirlwind. We’ve had a period of self-directed study, which has been brilliant in terms of flexibility, but I’ve also been working more hours in my part-time job and applying for two very different roles. One as an Art & Design Technician at a high school and another as an Artisan Project Coordinator for a historical site. Both applications took a lot of time and energy, especially the Technician role, which required a 10-minute presentation followed by an interview. Having never had an interview in education before, I felt the pressure to prepare thoroughly.

Despite all the stress, I’m absolutely thrilled to say I was offered the Technician role! I feel so grateful, it’s a job I’ve had in my mind for a while, and the fact that it’s in Wales means I can stay here and continue my Welsh language course. It feels like a huge step forward, and one that will give me valuable experience for the future, particularly for when I eventually launch my own Stiwdio and host creative workshop and retreats.

At the same time, I’ve been continuing to chip away at my business proposal, although I do feel like the creative, hands-on side of the project has taken a bit of a back seat. It’s frustrating to realise how quickly physical making becomes deprioritised when life gets busy, but I’m noticing it, and that’s something I will continue to work on.

I’ve also had some brilliant conversations with Veronika. We’ve planned a virtual meeting with the rest of the board for Friday 4th to outline our vision for The REcreational Wardrobe. Then, from Monday 7th, we’ll finally begin spinning and weaving sessions with Cathy, which I’m really looking forward to. It’s taken a while to get here, but I understand the value of working around others time and commitments.

I’m feeling proud and excited, securing the job as an Art & Design Technician has been a real confidence boost and feels like a huge win. But there’s also a sense of being pulled in lots of different directions. With job applications, work shifts, business planning, and personal commitments, it’s been a lot to juggle, and I’m noticing that my creative practice often falls to the bottom of the list. Why is it that when I’m at my busiest, the very thing that keeps me grounded (making) gets pushed aside?

There’s a lingering worry about my Major Project too. It feels a bit messy and disjointed, and I keep wondering, “Will it be enough?” But I’m trying to reframe that and remind myself that this project is just the beginning. It doesn’t need to be perfect, it just needs to be honest, reflective, and show the roots of something that will continue to grow.

This period has shown me how much effort it takes to balance ambition with everyday life. Applying for jobs, running a side project, staying socially and physically active, it’s a lot. But I’ve also realised that the key to managing it all is in planning, self-compassion, and being okay with imperfection.

The job at the high school is more than just employment, it’s aligned with my long-term goals. It will give me insight into creative education, support me financially, and allow me to stay in the region I love. It also supports my personal growth as someone who wants to work with communities and bring creative opportunities to others.

I’ve also learned the importance of collaboration and patience. The weaving project with Cathy and the planning with The REcreational Wardrobe are slow-burners, and that’s okay. Good things take time, and coordinating with others requires flexibility.

Everything I’m doing links back to my wider aims of nurturing creativity within communities, exploring sustainable and meaningful work, and staying rooted in North Wales. The business proposal, the technician job, my collaborations with The REcreational Wardrobe, they all tie into my vision for my Stiwdio and for leading a creative life that feels intentional, grounded, and full of possibility.

Even though my creative output has slowed, the thought and groundwork being laid now is vital. It all feeds into the eventual realisation of this bigger vision.

Action Plan

• Attend virtual board meeting on Friday 4th with The REcreational Wardrobe

• Begin spinning and weaving with Cathy from Monday 7th

• Continue working on business proposal

• Visit Abakhan to get fabric to complete the dress alteration project

• Schedule a day each week to focus on hands-on making, protect this time!

• Continue to reflect and document this process, it’s messy, but it’s real