Description

My journey began as soon as I read Rachel Trezise’s book, Fresh Apples and felt the depth of Welshness emanating from the work. This reminded me of the feelings I have for Wales and my roots in the valleys and Swansea: Chapel three times on a Sunday, with Saturdays exploring my grandfather’s home village in the coalmining area of the Neath valley; climbing into the big bed at the end of a tiring day, warmed by the rough blanket, Carthen nextto my skin.

At Dylan Thomas’ home in Cwmdonkin Drive, I felt at home with the pre-war furniture, the framed photographs on the walls and the potty under the bed!

The green background symbolises the countryside of Wales, ‘The Green, Green Grass of Home’! The furniture harks back to my family home in the valleys and the large, carved headboard reminds me of my Dadcu who made the bed. My grandson is depicted going into an unknown but hopeful future.

My print comes from the warmth of the Welsh hearth, the Aelwyd; the camaraderie of the Welsh wherever they meet (the text had, of course, to be Calon Lân) and our ongoing lineage going into future generations of my family. The main symbol being the ubiquitous Carthen, comforting and enveloping us as a nation.

Carys Roberts is from Swansea and has a BA in Fine Arts and won the Louise Ryland Prize for drawing. She retired from being Head of Art at Bishop Gore School, Swansea in 2009. She has exhibited in South Wales, the Midlands, Pakistan and shows with Swansea Print Workshop and the Attic Gallery, Swansea.