Art420 | The River Usk

This piece was inspired by the time I have recently spent in my hometown, Usk. The longer I’m away, the more I appreciate returning. I’m thinking about land ownership and experience, beginning with my family. Painting to document generational movements and memories. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/C6SDwvkokvn/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

The reference image is years old, but still relevant as I have lived here my whole life. ‘Nothing ever changes’. The river still flows, rising and falling with the usual Welsh wet weather. Trees and crops line the water's edge, revived with the seasons change. The ‘same’ ducks and swans, walkers and swimmers. Still there: the lying branches where I sat and talked summers away with friends, the rock we’d wade out to and the park all young  ‘Usk Butterflies’ grow out of one day. “A person who is born in the town of Usk or has lived there for forty years or more can qualify as a ‘Usk butterfly’.” 

 https://thetuesdayswim.com/2014/09/08/sweets-of-usk/

This upload is an account of a visit to Usk in 2014, to a tackle shop situated a short walk from the Twyn Square. The author comments on how the shop's unique character captured their attention. Recapping the stories told by the owner, a fellow ‘Butterfly’. Sharing tales accompanied by ““a nice cup of tea with welsh water” as Mrs William would like to say.”.

A wholesome account of their experience in Usk, South Wales. Passing memories, stories and experience. A conversation that started with an offer focused around “Welsh water”. 

It’s interesting to see how elders in my town have used Welsh water as a conversational invitation. 

This is a unique source as it also offers insight to how this prompt was received. A primary reflection that is giving me confidence that my concept has a high chance of promoting conversation and reflection.

I have many memories surrounding this central part of my town and childhood. One photo invites me to return to these memories and more alike. The River Walk is a metaphoric path of memories and experience. Paths mark a journey, big or small, similar to generations of families. Growing and moving. 

Researching my family’s generational movements using water sources as a focus, inspires me to embrace my Welsh culture. I am learning how my family experiences this beautiful part of the world, South Wales. Instinctually, I painted ‘my section’ of the river. To expand this concept, I will paint the canal where my Dad grew up. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/C6SFNHrob2w/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

I’d like to note the stories he told me about this location, whilst we were last there. Deep mapping stories that connect my family and others in rural Welsh towns who undoubtedly have similar experiences.

I’d like for each painting to become a talking point, a prompt, for people to share memories of when they have been somewhere similar to this before. Perhaps these paintings or conversations will allow people to experience the beauty of nature and companionship. 

The composition of ‘The River Usk’ | Acrylic on cardboard, is created with the point in mind. 

Selecting a small section of the scene allows it to be mistaken for many similar locations. Leaning into this idea that anyone could have been there before. Yes, it is ‘my river’, but you could see it as ‘yours’ too. Sharing. 

On a personal level, I’d also like for this body of work to show only Welsh locations in the end of year show in Plymouth, England. Displaying aspects of Welsh culture whilst representing my recent move away. Given enough time, It would be interesting to create a piece showing the Plymouth coastline.