Kyffin print published for Eisteddfod yr Urdd - Urdd Gobaith Cymru

Datganiad i’r Wasg / Press ReleaseKyffin print published for Eisteddfod yr Urdd28 January 2008Kyffin Williams’ previously unpublished watercolour will inevitably assist Urdd Gobaith Cymru’snational Eisteddfod appeal fund. The distinguished Welsh artist’s work was kindly released to Conwy’sArt, Craft and Technology committee for publishing, as one of the images used in their exquisite 18month Calendar. The watercolour ‘Trecastell', a farm at Porth Trecastell (Cable Bay), Anglesey was afavourite spot for Kyffin, as he spent some time painting at this location during the latter part of hislife.“Kyffin was with us at the launch of our Art and Craft events for the 2000 Urdd National Eisteddfod atConwy,” explains Dafydd Thomas, Chair of the Art, Craft and Technology Committee for this year’sUrdd Eisteddfod at Penrhyn Bay (26 – 31 May), “It was a great privilege for us all back then.Unfortunately this time round he was no longer with us, but his work will certainly raise the profile ofthis 18 month Calendar filled with images from Wales’ leading Welsh artists, some long establishedand others just starting out. Kyffin’s support to young artists and organisations like the Urdd wassecond to none. We are extremely grateful to his Estate for this privilege.”John Smith, Technical Services Officer at Oriel Ynys Môn said: “This image was painted at Cable Bay,the location where one of the first Atlantic cables crossed to Ireland and then to America. Kyffin lovedthis spot at Trecastell farm, as he enjoyed capturing the waves in the bay and depicting the strongatmosphere of the coast. This spot is also extremely popular with surfers today. He has certainlycaptured the spontaneity of his subject matter here.”Amongst the other artists work featured on this 18 month Calendar is glass maker Rhian Haf fromGwytherin, Llanrwst; landscape photographer Pierino Algieri from the Conwy Valley and Llansannanborn artist Luned Rhys Parri.(more...)

2Kyffin print published for Eisteddfod yr UrddAnother young artist’s work featured on the Calendar is 33 year old Eleri Jones, from Trofarth, ConwyValley. Inspired by her rural agricultural upbringing and steady home life, Eleri’s image titled ‘Sgwrsgyda’r brawd’ (transl. A chat with my brother) depicts an image she captured during a period working inIreland.“I was working at a museum in Ireland, and sat in this little Italian Café during my lunch break. Amidstthe hustle and bustle of this busy cafe, I saw, what I considered to be a brother and sister chatting away.It reminded me of my relationship with my brothers back home, and so I decided to capture themoment. I spend a lot of time sketching and I’m very interested in portraying people’s differentrelationships in my images.”Eleri, has herself been a member of Urdd Gobaith Cymru and spends some of her time preparing artworkshops with youngsters, with the rest of her time devoted to her role as Education Officer with theRoyal Cambrian Academy at Conwy. This year, Eleri will adjudicate at the Arts, Craft and TechnologyPavilion, at the Urdd national Eisteddfod, a role she says she is looking forward to immensely. ThePavilion will showcase Wales’ best young Arts talent. During the summer, Eleri will exhibit at Canolfan yPlase, Y Bala, where her work will depict the lambing season at her home in Trofarth.Dafydd Thomas added: “Artists such as Catrin Williams, Jan Gardner, Megan Broadmeadow and TimPugh have also contributed to this wonderful Calendar, offering us a variety of subject matters andforms of work. From Tim’s environmental work using natural materials to glass work from local girlRhian Haf, it’s a must have commemorative artistic catalogue.”Aled Siôn, Urdd Gobaith Cymru’s National Eisteddfod and Arts Director said: “We are extremely gratefulto all 18 artists who submitted their work free of charge to support Eisteddfod Sir Conwy’s appeal fund.The standard of this Calendar is second to none. Our heartfelt thanks also go to Conwy CountyBorough Council’s Arts and Museums Officers who worked tirelessly to co-ordinate the publishing ofthis Calendar.The Calendar is available for £9 including postage and packaging (£7.50 (excluding p&p through Conwycounty schools) from dafydd.thomas@conwy.gov.uk or by calling 01492 575011. Cheques with orderspayable to Eisteddfod yr Urdd 2008Full list of artists work featured: Sir Kyffin Williams (estate), Pierino Algieri, Keith Shone, Jan Gardner, ChloeNeedham, Gilly Thomas, Karel Lek, Tim Pugh, Rhian Haf, Wilf Roberts, Luned Rhys Parri, MeganBroadmeadow, Gareth Owen, Ian Williams, Steffan Jones-Hughes, Eleri Jones, Catrin Williams and JeannetteOrrell.- ends -Contact: Ffion Clwyd 01745 550123, 07702 048184