Meet Our Artists
Over 150 talented artists from across Anglesey and Gwynedd are harnessing the unique properties of kelp in their artworks, creating a vibrant tapestry of creativity that intertwines with environmental consciousness. These artists, inspired by this rich marine ecosystem, engage in collaborative efforts that align with our non-profit mission to educate and promote sustainability. By working closely with academics and scientists, they delve into the science of marine life, utilising kelp not just as a medium but as a catalyst for dialogue about ocean health and conservation. Each artist brings their distinctive perspective, transforming kelp into striking installations, intricate designs, and thought-provoking pieces that resonate with both the local community and visitors alike. As we celebrate their contributions, we aim to inspire a deeper understanding of our marine environments and advocate for their preservation through art-led initiatives.
Jenny Black
I am a textile artist with a background in Design Technology.
Many years ago, my A-level biology studies introduced me to the intricate beauty of cell structures seen through an electron microscope. Ever since, I have used these microscopic forms as inspiration for my embroidery. While I initially approached the world of kelp with this scientific perspective in mind, a field trip to explore kelp gardens opened up an entirely new dimension. Seeing kelp thriving in its natural environment-rather than under a laboratory lens-deeply inspired me, and it is this vibrant world I strive to capture in my pieces.
Marion Rose
I’m a printmaker, who enjoys
using old-style techniques to create contemporary images. Etching, cyanotype, linocut all require messy effort and endless inventiveness – and the resulting prints are all individually made and unique.
I try to catch moments of beauty in the wild and Anglesey is a constant source of opportunities for that.
Recently I have started exploring the changing forms and light in underwater kelp forests. It's the start of a journey and I’m excited to see where it leads.
My work appears in Oriel Môn,
Storiel, Mostyn Gallery and
during Open Studios. You can see more on Instagram
@scaleofdragon
Cathy O’Brien
My university training as a geologist gave me understanding of Earth Systems over deep time and following that my working life was very much related to sustainable resource use. Now retired, I am a long-
term member of the Gwynedd Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers and its current secretary. I enjoy making things inspired by the natural world using natural materials, I get a lot of inspiration from the shapes, forms and colours that I have seen in nature.
Sue Willis
Handspinning and weaving gave me an opportunity to explore the beauty and importance of wild, balanced natural environments.
My latest spinning and tapestry projects come after spending two very wet weeks at Ardalanish on the Isle of Mull, creating yarn every evening incorporating wool from the sheep of the valley. The rock pools on the beach were amazing in colour and variety, with beautiful kelp and many other interesting seaweeds.
Aird Fada, in nearby Loch Scridain, is a sustainably run kelp farm exploring innovative uses for the kelp crop, as well as monitoring the marine environment in which they are operating.
Simon Renshaw
Artist, Interviewer, and filmmaker.
BA in Fine Art and member of the Ffin y Parc team, I have the true pleasure and privilege of meeting and working with incredible artists from all over the world.
This project has been an amazing opportunity to learn about marine life with a fantastic selection of scientists and students. It has also been wonderful to visit and speak to the artists involved to discuss and capture their work. I am very excited about the direction this idea can take in the future and congratulate all of the contributors for their great efforts and achievements.
Thérèse Durrant
I am an artist, living in Newborough, Anglesey. In a past life, I was a primary school teacher but since retiring, I have more time to dedicate to my real passions … being outdoors, immersed in nature, coastal walks, travelling and, of course, a genuine love of art. This was passed down to me, from my Granddad, from the earliest time I could hold a pencil!
I took part in a project called “Art from the Unseen” a couple of years ago and this really sparked my interest in microscopic plankton and ocean ecosystems. As soon as I became aware of the “Bathed in Sunlight …” venture, I immediately became obsessed with a series of mixed media works which now number in the HUNDREDS! You can find me on Instagram: @tezduzart
Althea Harris
I’ve lived much of my life by the sea, including 10 years in Papua New Guinea, and I’m
always fascinated by my local seashore environment, which inspires and informs my art
work. I love the subtle organic forms and colours.
I work in a variety of media, but mainly print and textiles.
Beach-foraging for kelp was an opportunity to handle and learn about these incredible
seaweeds. Kelp beds are some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world: they capture
and absorb carbon dioxide, are home to many sea species, and can provide us with food and medicine.
The stitched kelp purse in the exhibition, was influenced by the Aboriginal kelp bags that I
saw in Hobart Art Gallery, Tasmania.
Jenny Armour
Working from my studio in Tyn-y-Gongl, Anglesey, I have the ingredients of life on my doorstep - sky, land and sea. Now we have the chance to learn about what is under the sea.
I took part in the Plankton project a couple of years ago and enjoyed the challenge of something new producing a large canvas of life beneath the waves.
I am an abstract painter and I use rollers rather than brushes allowing me the freedom of painting.
I hope I have produced something this time that will enthuse children, if not adults. I have written a poem for them too!!!
Gill Collier
After growing up in Swansea and later living in Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Bedfordshire, I moved to North Wales in 1977.
After completing an Art Foundation course in Bangor University in 2001 I have
been painting and printmaking, taking part in group exhibitions and six solo exhibitions.
I have always loved nature and gained an MSc in Conservation and Land Management at Bangor in 2007, so I welcomed the chance to take part in the Kelp Trail.
With this painting I have attempted to convey the idea of the protective arms of a kelp forest nurturing some of the sea’s valuable creatures.
Lynne Stuart
Lynne studied design at Coleg Menai and is known for her striking, colourful, semi-abstract landscapes.
The work for this exhibition was inspired by the rock pools at Porth Cwyfan and the kelp, weeds and rocks lying in and around the pools at low tide.
Sketchbook and photographic images from the site made it possible to focus in on detailed water reflections and the weeds and rocks beneath the surface. Thus creating what appears to be abstract forms on two of the paintings.
Lynne can be contacted at lynnestuart.art@gmail.com and is on Facebook #lynnestuartart
Alison Sherriff
Hello, I am Ali, I have been interested in art and science as two aspects of life, that seem to me to go together, for as long as I can remember. I see the world that I live in, as nature, the natural world, our planet Earth and everything that exits alive or dead.
Encouraged by my parents and sisters, when I was young, I drew. As an undiagnosed Dyslexic child who was fascinated in everything art, design, architecture, & fashion, I went to college and studied fabric printing, then as a mature student I studied Plant biology, most recently I did a course in Willow basket making. Now that I am a semi-retired gardener I am pulling all the crafts I have dabbled in together to explore being creative again.
Caro Wilson
My art creations are eclectic. "Jack of many trades, Master of none." Knitting, print making, embroidery, felting, water colours, patchwork, cross stitch, drystone walling, stained glass, etc etc.
I enjoy learning a new medium of creativity. It is the journey, not the end product, how something is achieved. I may indulge one a number of months, then take a different journey.
"Bathed in Sunlight, Rooted in the Sea" has been a journey of learning and creativity with thanks to the Ocean Science department at Bangor University for the talks and investigations.
My contribution to the exhibition is a statement of what lies beneath the kelp forest environment and the human impact of plastic pollution. "Hidden beneath the sweet spring ebb."
Rachel Hawken
I swim every day in Bae Trearddur, Anglesey.
I started taking photographs with Olympic Tough camera and was encouraged by my husband to paint them. These were the beginning of my art career.
I now go to Art Class at the village hall in Bae Trearddur every Monday morning and Profilicay Point, Bae Trearddur.
I have exhibited at Oriel Môn and sold at Storiel Bangor, and regularly contribute to the arts week.
Sam Hawkins
I am a local naturalist and artist and have lived on Anglesey for most of my life.
I am soon to be beginning a university degree at Bangor where I hope to use my artistic skills in learning scientific illustration.
My painting of sugar kelp and oarweed is an experiment for me in using composition principles employed in tattooing.
Tattoo artwork strongly emphasises movement and the flow of the eye around the image and as such I felt it was a perfect match for the subject.
Rosie Green
I am a hand weaver and hand spinner. I run SAORImôr, a weaving studio in Caernarfon where I teach saori weaving, a freestyle approach to weaving which encourages self expression over technique.
I love to weave and to create, anything from clothing to small structures. Working for exhibitions helps to push my ideas and working with the kelp has been an absolute joy and I have learned so much about the world in the waters around us here.
Geraldine Hedderick
Geraldine is a textile artist creating representational landscapes through appliqué and free-machine embroidery. Inspired by the landscapes and changing light of the places around her, Geraldine transforms reclaimed, recycled and gifted fabrics into quiet, tactile works that invite the viewer to pause and look more closely. Although the majority of her work is landscapes, she is also inspired by water and seascapes and the variety of colours and life within the sea and the sense of well being this invokes
Working predominantly with cloth that has already had a life or deadstock fabric, she enjoys discovering unexpected colours, textures and marks within each piece of fabric. Layer by layer, these materials are shaped into landscapes, while machine embroidery is used as a form of mark-making to suggest movement, texture and detail.
Her work is rooted in a love of landscape, sustainability and the stories held within materials. Through her textile art, Geraldine hopes to create a sense of calm and connection — encouraging us to slow down, notice the beauty of familiar places, and see discarded or overlooked materials in a new way.
Femke van Gent
I have been a self-employed illustrator for over 20 years, working with a wide range of environmental organisations across the Netherlands and Wales.
These kelp illustrations have been made in collaboration with Marine Awareness North Wales. I got in contact with them after moving to Menai Bridge in 2002 with my partner at the time, Jan Hiddink, who is now Professor in Marine Biology. Richard Chucksmith and Nia Haf Jones were my main contacts at the time. We worked on several stories relating to the marine environment and developed an information board with the coastal code.
The beautiful nature in Wales still inspires me now.
In 2003 I went to do a Fine Art degree at Coleg Menai until 2008. During my studies, had the privilege of learning from inspiring artists and teachers, including the late Peter Prendergast and Iwan Gwyn Parry. I remain deeply grateful for their belief in my work and the encouragement they gave me throughout those formative years.
I welcome commissions and enjoy collaborating with clients to create unique illustrations for special occasions.
Claire Sturrock
I've lived on Ynys Môn for almost 8 years and have loved walking on the beach, collecting things that the sea has given up, shells, stones, seaweed, by-the-wind-sailors and all manner of plastics.
My interest in kelp started when I picked up an enormous piece of sugar kelp with the intention of stitching into it. As a weather vane, wet, dry, wet, dry!
I soon realised this wasn't going to be possible so started my 'Experiments with Sugar Kelp'.
I have no formal training but love to create sea based pieces, playing with fabric and stitch.
Stay Tuned...
More artists coming soon!
Stay Tuned...
More artists coming soon!
Stay Tuned...
More artists coming soon!