and then…..after the meeting in Harlech yesterday afternoon, Pamela and Alison headed rapidly eastwards over the mountains towards Bala and the last evening of the Eisteddfod Genedlaethol.
The logistics of the day’s travelling meant we didn’t get there until most of the exhibitors had shut up shop, but by great good fortune the first tent we came to was the Art & Craft tent, and the first person we met therein was Diana Williams, one of the Le Chéile artists. She had had such a successful week that she had almost completely lost her voice. Nearby, some of Steffan’s work was still in the Cornel Celf a Chrefft. http://www.achrefft.co.uk/amdanom_ni_about_us.html
We managed to get into the Art & Craft Pavilion (diolch yn fawr iawn, Robyn Tomos) where – another piece of luck – I was able to introduce Pamela to Sean Harris, collagraph printmaker & animator extraordinaire. There isn’t enough room in this slot to give a critique of the work in the Pavilion: suffice it to say that it was very diverse in subject and execution, and I agree with Steffan that “Hadau” was the most atmospheric piece, even though we missed the performance and just saw the installation.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/northwest/sites/eistedd…
Finally we attended the closing concert in the main Pavilion, along with 3,000 other happy Eisteddfod visitors. The atmosphere in the Pavilion is always terrific, and the performers (Cwmni Theatr Maldwyn – a youth music theatre) put on a great show. Pamela – an Irish speaker – found it exciting and intriguing to be surrounded by people of all ages speaking Welsh.
This morning Ian Williams, another member of the group, came over for coffee before Pamela went to take the ferry home. So, more chat and exchange of ideas and stories. Ian & Pamela recounted the tale of Rhys and Meinir, which was new to me. Meinir is trapped in an oak tree on her wedding day, Rhys and his faithful dog search for her in vain, and then both expire when a storm splits the oak and reveals her body. The setting of the legend is Nant Gwtheyrn, where the language centre is now. Layers of meaning within the story, within the landscape. Ideal stuff for printmaking.
AC
