The Maker Space Exhibition at Ty Pawb of Caged and the Echoes of Eels which included the installation of the Fisherbride’s Wedding Bower to her Prince Lindworm finished on Saturday 30th of September after two weeks. The exhibition celebrated the end of my five months residency that started late April! It has been an amazing journey! During that time I have been a part of so many things for instance I have: been a part of a children’s poetry workshop and read some of my poems out with other poets on stage as part of the last day of the Wrexham Carnival of Words; judged Wrexham Libraries children’s poetry competition and spoken at the presentation of the winning poems; worked with the Welsh Dee Trust with workshops in the Maker Space and Dee Flows Day at Ty Mawr Country Park: created a ghost net installation with public involvement; recorded people’s eel stories; been inspired by the Maker Space to create a series of work called Caged (unfinished as yet!); attended a number of artist talks and presentations; taken over the social media of Ty Pawb for the weekend ( that was way out of my comfort zone!); had many, many incredible people visiting the Maker Space; talked to everyone about my work, eels, and yes more eels! talked to art and school groups about my artistic process; had exciting discussions about lampreys and working with Life Dee River in 2024!; met and discussed with Coed Y Brenin Visitor Centre staff where Echoes of Eels are migrating to next and these are just a few of the experiences !

I have met lots of amazing welcoming people who work and run Ty Pawb and who opened my eyes as to how a unique public space and art gallery runs and works – such an incredible behind the scenes insight that I had no idea about before this residency. It has been amazing to be part of such a busy space used by so many people and groups that it has been my privilege to meet simply because I was in the Maker Space!

I have had such fun working, playing and creating in the Maker Space and though I am sad to leave (after two extensions each a month long, I really have had more time than most!), I take with me so many ideas to explore further and new friends to work and keep in touch with. I feel as if myself as an artist and my artistic practice have really had the space to grow and flourish these past five months and I am exceedingly grateful to Ty Pawb for giving me this opportunity! Thank you!!

Finally I wish Rona Campbell, fine art photographer and poet, the very best as she takes over the Maker Space as the next Maker in Residence !