TALIA SIMONS

Artist Statement

As an artist, my work is driven by a profound appreciation for the natural world, inspired by its vivid colours and intricate forms. Working primarily in acrylic on canvas, I strive to capture nature's beauty, through rich textures and dynamic compositions. Birds are a recurring theme in my artwork, symbolising the transformative cycles of life and the freedom to transcend limitations, reflecting my own journey of growth and exploration. This symbolism also informs my practice as an Art & Wellbeing Practitioner, where I encourage participants to release expectations, trust their creative intuition, and embrace self-expression and personal growth.

This nature trail, part of the Pontypridd Art Trail, celebrates the small but vital insects that sustain Pontypridd’s gardens and ecosystems. Inspired by a fascination with how tiny creatures play such crucial roles, the project began by rescuing and upcycling broken bug hotels. It aims to inspire appreciation, rather than fear, of the incredible insects around us. The trail features functional bug hotels, colourful pop-up bugs created by local primary school children, and a painting capturing Pontypridd’s ecosystem. Through workshops, children learnt about key species, contributing to the trail by painting, sculpting and building elements. Visitors are guided by an activity booklet, including sensory boards and audio descriptions to ensure accessibility for all.

We invite you to explore, learn, and celebrate the importance of pollinators and garden insects. A special thanks to Canolfan Calon Taf for their support, and to the local primary schools for their creativity and enthusiasm.