YASMIN WICKER

Artist Statement

I am a community multi-disciplinary artist who is greatly inspired by the relationship between art and play. I enjoy many forms of art, from collage to 3 dimensional forms, but my interest leans towards sensory tactile creations. Working with children has shown me our natural response to art is through playing. As a facilitator I value comfort and safety, adopting an approachable and inclusive facilitation style, in a space where playfulness can thrive. My motivation lies in helping people find their imaginative side, my work feeling the most gratifying when I can witness the moments of natural freedom and imagination. 

Leading up to this Art Trail Weekend, I have been dedicating my time to creating a replica of Ynysangharad Park, the making inspired by the idea of indoor play for children while keeping the outdoors. It is rooted in the interlinking value of art and play, as creating this was just as playful for myself as an artist as it will be for the audience to interact with it. This piece is a sensory map of the park, which can be felt by touching the grass made of yarn, squishing the water bag lido, or playing with the dolls. The dolls are manifestations of participants' favourite ‘People of Pontypridd’ from the workshops hosted in Calon Taf. Any work that was not made into a doll can be found on the wall of the printed map. The people of Pontypridd in the view of children feature parents, carers, relatives, teachers, and friends, including the imaginary ones, that make up the community and highlight the importance of our relationships.

Thank you to Calon Taf for hosting me for workshops and this Art Trail, and thank you to the participants who created and celebrated their favourite person of Pontypridd.