DAY 4

28th July 2018

Bracelet Bay,

Mumbles, Gower

DYDD 4

28 Gorffennaf 2018

Bracelet Bay,

Y Mwmbwls, Gwyr

GWYL CERFLUN TRAETH 2018

Artists /
Artistiaid:

SARA HOLDEN,

AMI MARSDEN,
TINA MARIE CUNNINGHAM,

JENNY CHISHOLM,

CLARE FERGUSON-WALKER

Project Photographer / Ffotograffydd Prosiect: Phil Holden

Our annual beach sculpture festival, now in its 14th year, resumed on the fourth day at the beautiful Bracelet Bay in Mumbles. It is a small bay on the south of the Gower Peninsula with good views of Mumbles light-house. There are lots of interesting materials to use for sculptures here such as the rainbow coloured pebbles found here. The west of the bay is separated from the next beach Limeslade Bay by Tutt Hill, which carries a coastguard look-out station. There was quite a lot of thundery rain showers during the day, some of which were torrential at times but this did not deter people dropping into the festival as soon these subsided. They were surprised and interested to see the size and variety of sculptures being created on such a stormy turbulent day. Participants braved the elements to explore the seashore, collecting and creating between downpours - wanderers were enchanted to stumble across art works strewn across the sea shore on their rainy walk. They were all interested to talk and learn about the new sculpture trail along the cliff path that our team of artists have recently installed and delve in to the stories behind them - see sculpture on the coast feature.The event gave participants more confidence to choose materials and develop ideas to make sculptures. Many of the participants had not noticed before how many different coloured pebbles there are at Bracelet Bay but they were very interested to learn about the environment and issues that affect marine life. Using natural materials at the beach to create beautiful patterned sculptures and mosiacs and basing ideas on marine life is certainly an absorbing activity that holds the interest of children and adults alike. The artists shared their knowledge of turtles and other sea animals and birds, exploring through their life cycle and their fragile existence through sculptures built and decorated to tell stories.
Ailddechreuodd ein gwyl flynyddol ar gerfluniau traeth, sydd bellach yn ei 14eg flwyddyn, ar y pedwerydd diwrnod yn y Bracelet Bay bendigedig yn y Mwmbwls...

Using rocks and driftwood to create balancing sculptures based on the lighthouse was an absorbing activity.

Using pebbles at the beach to make beautiful bird sculptures like this Oystercatcher are inspiring materials for all ages to use.

Having fun working with the artists on the beach.

Selecting specific rocks or shells with certain colours or patterns really gave the children the chance to study what was there and made their creation really special..in turn encouraging independent thinking, creativity and a greater sense of self esteem.

These beautiful bird mosaics were made in a crevice between rocks and were a lovely discovery for people walking on the beach.

Whilst the turbulent weather conditions affected the number of visitors that day, the art works created were varied and interesting. Those that visited were amazed and interested to find out more about Welsh sea shores and marine life.

A giant mermaid's purse with a baby mermaid inside was an inspiring sculpture to make that unravelled imaginations and told a story. It was an opportunity to talk about which kind of fish make mermaids purses. What a beautiful sculpture.

SAMPLE OF FESTIVAL MESSAGES FROM PARTICIPANTS

SAMPL O WYBODAETHAU GAN GAN Y CYFRANOGWYR

We made some balancing stone sculptures which we were very happy with. The artists were very enthusiastic and helpful. Events like this are worthwhile as its lovely for children to get enthusiastic about art and the environment. An amazing thing to do - thank you! Amy, Lola and Joe Morrin

During rainy thunderstorms, the artists sheltered in a tent. Families ran back and forth to the beach from their cars, eager not to miss a moment being creative!

Rights of Way and Nature Conservation Team