At the height of my enthusiasm for the deep map of Bwlch y Ddeufaen I had a major installation planned: the long map on one wall; the “data” displayed as numbers and text overlapping on transparent paper, framed and assembled in a sort of grid; a sound piece containing the wind, running water and bird calls just above the threshold of hearing. I discovered a wonderful rant (in Welsh) by Twm o’r Nant (b.1739) arising from a fictional meeting of two stewards above Bwlch y Ddeufaen, and briefly I entertained grandiose ideas of having that performed as an audio piece. This was obviously a non-starter – my own Welsh accent is terrible, and I haven’t a clue how to find (or pay) anyone to read it for me. But I can dream.
Dark times, indeed. Or more like grey-ish in my case. Despite being fit (at the moment, fingers crossed), having enough to eat and being otherwise secure I have found it impossible to do much meaningful work since the summer.
But, but, but – look on the bright side: I finished the essay and the portfolio and most of the artwork, submitted it and received a positive response. Reviewing the work itself after a long gap I am pleased to find that I achieved a certain quality as well as quantity in the output. The Master Plan would have involved submitting a proposal for an installation to the (National) Eisteddfod Genedlaethol, but since the Eisteddfod has been cancelled for another year I have a breathing space and can get on with the unfinished bits and pieces.
