For my final degree project, I have been collaborating with The Friends of Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, who have embraced me as part of their gardening group. In our time together, we have constructed and designed a community bench, using upcycled palettes. The bench represents the legacy of our connection, marked by kindness, teamwork, imagination, laughter, creativity, resourcefulness, and nature. The bench has found a place for all, a catalyst for creativity. Alongside the bench is a soundscape combining the sounds of Pontypridd, wildlife, the melodies of spring, and local voices, with the conversations of people immersed in making and gardening. Listen by scanning the QR code on the bench. For those who are unable to see it in person, there will be a live stream at the time of the sun’s highest position in the sky, the ‘Solar Noon,’ between 13.09 p.m. and 14.09 p.m. on May 17th–19th. This will allow you to experience a film, situating you in the park as if you were sitting on this very bench. There is also the option to listen to the soundscape alongside the livestream. So, why not give yourself a moment of kindness to slow down and engage in deep listening or a time of connection designed to provide you with a moment of peace and reflection in your day? 

Over the course of the art trail, I facilitated sun-catcher making workshops within the gardens for the community to join in and add to our bench. It was such a huge success! So many members of the local community came and connected and created, spending hours of peace and chatter in the serene gardens. The bench evolved and grew and, by the end of the weekend, it held each and every unique representation of those who came in the form of a beautifully crafted sun-catcher.

Live stream and soundscape link: https://www.connielammimancreates.co.uk/live-art-stream

Connie’s Instagram: connie_create 

The Friends of Ynysangharad War Memorial Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/FriendsOfYWMP 

Working alongside the wonderful gardening group The Friends of Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, gardening, constructing and designing a community bench, soundscape and making sun-catchers