ANNE PALMER

Artist Statement

It is my job as an Arts and Wellbeing Practitioner to ensure the artwork I produce is inclusive and accessible for everyone, therefore I have taken to exploring mixed media work so that there would be something in my work for everyone. However, I think there are consistencies within my art practice. 

I enjoy using cardboard, a resource I think that is often overlooked but one that is easy to come by and surprisingly malleable through trial and error. I find cardboard is a material that takes away financial pressure, creates a sense of pride when the finished piece is constructed entirely by myself and can be recycled for a quick and easy clear up. In addition, inspired by the therapeutic benefits of the seemingly simple act of colouring in, I produce monochromatic, fine line drawings with the hope that those who choose to engage with it will take the piece further through their own interpretation and creativity. I enjoy collaborating with others in any way possible and aim for my work to be something people want to see and hopefully see themselves within. 

This project is called ‘The Ultimate Ponty Playlist’ a mixed media piece that highlights the music at the core of the community of Pontypridd. The idea originated from the Welsh National Anthem, a song that is at the heart of every Welsh person and began in Pontypridd. As the first song I learnt in another language when I first moved to Wales when I was seven years old, I wanted to pay homage. However, with the Eisteddfod having just left Pontypridd and the anthem being fresh in everyone's minds, I thought about how I could take this idea further whilst still holding onto the main feeling that underpinned the idea, reminiscing.

I decided to do this project because this is ‘The Land of Song’. Music is such a big influence for people. I feel as though I needed to do this project because I was curious on how the community would engage. I would have to go out into the community, put myself out there and meet new people to achieve the hopeful outcome of a rich playlist of songs to influence the artwork I was going to create to reflect that passion. ‘The Ultimate Ponty Playlist’ is made up of an audio recording of participants telling us about a song that reminds them of Pontypridd and why. This will be played in the background alongside cardboard structures that I've created with musical motifs that stand as the mounts for the artwork I've reflected on with this project with. Records, CD’s and cassettes all hold the lyrics of the songs I was presented with. I have also incorporated photos and fine line drawings highlighting The University of South Wales Music Society, Olive Attic and The Pontypridd Community Choir who allowed me into their space and helped to add richness to this project. 

The community are invited to ‘Badman's’ to get comfortable, listen and observe ‘The Ultimate Ponty Playlist’. As well as take part in mark making in response to the audio playlist. 

I have stepped out of my comfort zone for this project, meeting new people, exploring all the different clubs and opportunities on offer and gotten to know the town of Pontypridd in a way I wouldn’t, if I had not ventured out with this project. As my final project as a Creative and Therapeutic Arts student at USW I am extremely excited, and proud to present ‘The Ultimate Ponty Playlist.