Celebrating Community: The Mural Project at Ysgol Ifor Bach

Today, I am excited to share a special project that I participated in toward the end of last year. United Welsh Housing Association commissioned me to work with students at Ysgol Ifor Bach in Abertridwr. Together, we created a mural to promote their housing development at the old Windsor Colliery site, located next to the school.

A Community Project

The students at Ysgol Ifor Bach embarked on a school project centered around their roots in the Aber Valley. This theme perfectly aligned with our mural project. Over two days, I held workshops to introduce the children to illustration. I encouraged them to share their experiences and the stories they learned during their project through their own illustrations.

My journey didn’t end there. I took time to research the history of the Aber Valley and the vibrant community that has thrived there over the years. This exploration enriched my understanding and helped shape our mural's narrative.

The Story Behind the Mural

The mural is a celebration of the Aber Valley and the evolution of housing in the area. It features characters inspired by local historical figures and significant events. A central element of the mural is a tree with a heart shaped into the trunk, inspired by a notable tree in Senghenydd. This symbolizes the strength and growth of the community.

The children's illustrations form the leaves of this tree, with each leaf representing what ‘cynefin’ means to them. The term ‘cynefin’ is a Welsh word that embodies the feeling of being at home in a place. This deep, spiritual connection highlights concepts of belonging. It emphasizes how rivers, mountains, local communities, and cherished memories tie us to our surroundings.

Creative Freedom and Learning

Participating in this project was an incredible experience. I was given ample creative freedom, which is always appreciated. This allowed me to explore unique ideas and integrate them into our mural. For instance, I had the opportunity to include a cameo from Ifor Bach, who will also feature in my upcoming children's book.

Looking Forward

You can find the full mural showcased on my website here. I encourage you to check it out and immerse yourself in the creativity and community spirit that this project embodies.

As part of our ongoing engagement, further information regarding the project will be released soon. This will include interviews from everyone involved, allowing you to hear different perspectives on this collaborative effort.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this mural project has not only beautified a local area but also brought together a community. It highlights the importance of understanding our roots and the connections we share with our environment and each other. The stories told through the children's illustrations remind us that art can be a powerful medium for expression and unity.

Stay tuned for more updates, and celebrate with us as we honor the community of Aber Valley through art.

This project was a testament to what can be achieved when creativity meets collaboration. Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I look forward to sharing more stories with you!

Further information about the project with interviews from everyone involved will be released soon.