WYTHNOS PEDWAR DEG TRI - WEEK FOURTY THREE

16/06/25

This past week has felt like another big step forward in my Major Project. Over the weekend, I went to a talk by Keith Brymer Jones from Our Welsh Chapel Dream where he spoke about the history of pottery and ceramics, as well as his own creative journey. I also explored an exhibition space where Ptolemy Mann's woven and painted works totally sparked my imagination. Back home, I updated my brand logo and made changes to my website to make it feel more "me." I also started a mini side project, altering a dress that doesn’t quite suit me anymore.

On the collaborative side of things, Veronika added me as Director of Community and Sustainable Fashion to The Recreational Wardrobe website (so real now!), and we had a good catch-up about future plans. I also met with Chris from Bryntysilio to confirm retreat dates and talk about future opportunities. He mentioned they’re building a workshop space and would love for me to use it to develop my Stiwdio which is such a generous offer. I also began testing cyanotype printing for the wellness workshop we’re planning. Some prints turned out beautifully, others didn’t, but that’s all part of the learning.

The Keith Brymer Jones talk left me feeling inspired, emotional and like I’m exactly where I need to be. Quotes like “craft has taken on a new value” and “a career in crafts is a normal thing” really stayed with me. I felt seen, and a bit more confident in my decision to step away from traditional work structures and chase something more meaningful.

Seeing my name on The Recreational Wardrobe website gave me a burst of excitement but also a bit of pressure, it’s time to follow through and bring ideas to life! I also feel deeply grateful to have so many people cheering me on. The fact that people like Chris is actively supporting the idea of my own Stiwdio makes the dream feel closer. Testing cyanotype prints made me realise how much I enjoy hands-on experimentation, even when things don’t go perfectly. It’s energising.

This week reminded me how important it is to keep exposing myself to creative spaces and conversations. They fuel my ideas and give me clarity. The idea that I can combine different techniques like weaving, screen printing, embroidery, and painting feels so true to my identity as a creative person. It’s also clear that being part of collectives like The Recreational Wardrobe gives me accountability and community support, two things I really need to keep going.

The cyanotype experiments also reinforced that preparation is key. I need the right tools to make the workshop smooth and successful, and testing in advance gives me that control. This mindset shift (from perfection to process) is something I want to hold onto.

This all links back to my wider goal of launching Stiwdio Pawb and offering creative retreats and workshops. I’m now starting to live the creative life I’ve been writing about in my dissertation and dreaming of since this MA began. It’s not theoretical anymore, it’s in motion.

There’s also a deeper connection to themes of creative identity, sustainability, and well-being. From seeing Ptolemy Mann’s work to experimenting with cyanotypes, I’m finding ways to blend traditional crafts with my own aesthetic voice. And by organising things like the Wellness Workshop, I’m actively exploring how creativity supports well-being, not just for others, but for myself too.

Action Plan

• Finalise retreat and workshop dates with Chris and Veronika

• Confirm Sam for yoga and Karen/mum for catering

• Source Perspex, clamps, and frames for cyanotype workshop

• Continue testing cyanotype printing this weekend while camping

• Begin researching or creating small looms for the weaving element

• Reach out to Roberts Recycling for scrap fabrics

• Keep chipping away at branding: update social media visuals and work on content strategy for Instagram and TikTok

• Most importantly, keep carving out time for making and experimenting and ENJOY THE PROCESS