Three years ago, I moved to Aberystwyth. This move seemed to be essential, I did not apply to any other University; I was determined to get to Aber! I needed something new, to experience life elsewhere and, most importantly, to live by the sea! Although I was already accustomed to the area (we spent many summer holidays here), it was a place that had always felt more like home, than home did. Around a week after I received my offer of a place at the School of Art, I met my partner Sonny. My decision to spend the next three years in Aber had already been made, so we decided that we would take it in turns to travel to each other, over the course of my degree. This journey, through and over the mountains, seemed to bring the greatest sense of freedom. In my first year, situated right on the seafront, I witnessed the sun illuminate the sky with colour and sink into the sea every night!
As I finished the final year of my degree, much sooner than expected, I now look forward to the next time I can be back, on the beach, listening to the waves. At the moment, I am at home, where I will be starting my Masters in September. This will be an opportunity to reconnect with and be inspired by the area I grew up: to fall back in love with the place I so desperately wanted to depart.
At home, the place I feel most happy is within Cannock Chase. Last week, I decided to spend the day painting (as I did back in Wales) on location, in an area of the forest. Sat in my car, windows down, I listened to the sound of the wind through the silver birch trees. Comparable to the sound of the waves on the shore, being immersed within the forest felt completely liberating. To be able to sit and watch the scene peacefully alter throughout the day is what I miss most about painting the Welsh landscape, which had so many beautiful areas to choose from. I feel that Cannock Chase will be featured in much of my work to come. For now, I will continue my search for inspiration amongst the landscape, but much closer to home.
Adalia Mynett 