Pen Llŷn artists Junko Mori and John Egan, are embarking on an ambitious project titled Coed / Coexist with a symposium as its starting point. The essence of the project draws our attention to trees and woodland, seeking out wider connections, desires and reliance on these ecosystems while connecting community, creativity and environmental stewardship. The whole project aspires to celebrate the local area and the communities based in Pen Llŷn. Working with Plas Glyn-y-Weddw, on the coast in Llanbedrog, the artists have instigated a day-long symposium on Saturday 14 September 2024.
The symposium acts as a catalyst, bringing together cultural, scientific and local narratives to share and celebrate individual interest and knowledge. The event is intended to ignite ideas for the future stages of the project, comprising an ambitious collaborative approach to showcase new creative work and include public and community engagement in and around Plas Glyn-y-Weddw in 2026.
Utilising solely fallen or felled trees from the peninsula and Winllan woods at Plas Glyn-y-Weddw, Coed / Coexist will invite proposals from creative people to make new work to inspire and give a platform to the craftsmanship and ingenuity of local creatives and thinkers.
The symposium will be facilitated by television and radio presenter Daloni Metcalfe Owen with talks and contributions by; Coed / Coexist project initiators and lead artists, Junko Mori; John Egan; grassland farmer and landowner, Dafydd Wynne Finch; Plantlife Charity, Lichen and Bryophyte Specialist, David Lamacraft and Nature Connection Officer, Cassie Crocker; artists, David Nash, Manon Awst, Deanne Doddigton Mizen and landscape designer, Dan Bristow.
Lead Artist Biographies:
Junko Mori
Born in Yokohama, Japan in 1974. Her core concept, “growing forms through repetition” evolved around graduation from Camberwell College of Arts, London in 2000. She simplified her practice and developed more sculptural forms through using traditional blacksmithing techniques. She set up her workshop in Pen Llŷn in 2010, where she is totally surrounded by inspirational nature. Her works are in many international museums, including the British Museum, National Museum of Scotland and Honolulu Museum Art. www.junkomori.com
John Egan
John Egan works through the name Making Little which is grown out of a deep appreciation of the natural environment, and his designs are linked directly to it. He seeks to make beautiful long lasting objects and one off pieces, thereby locking carbon into each object made. He only uses locally sourced material, which means the footprint of every object is small and works in harmony with its surroundings. The environment and his impact on it, are his guiding principles and shape his designs.
Funders / Sponsors
Ecoamgueddfa Llŷn has sponsored this symposium.