Caitlin Ann Williams
Textile practitioner
About about Myself me
I’m Caitlin Ann Williams, a textile practitioner from North Wales with a degree in BA Textiles (hons) from Cardiff Metropolitan University. I have always found art to be the best conductor of expressing my passions. Since an early age I have always enjoyed exploring the world of art, continuing this passion into education I have experimented with mixed media of painting, mark making and combining these elements with fabric manipulation, dyeing and stitching (embroidery and machine). My time at CardiffMet has allowed me to futher my expermentation and adapt my skills in hand crafting techniques. My inspiration of Wales, inparticularly the North, are creatively captured in my artwork. For our final module-Exposure, my work is guided by not only my connection to Wales, but a global crisis to capture a wider audience. Raising awarness of Ocean pollution and my personal adaptation of the devestating impact on Wales.
Inspiring Works
Research about & Inspiration me Plastic pollution is the accumulation of plastic objects in the environment which effects different ecosystems. The material does contribute to advancements of the global economy, with the many positive uses for plastic in hospitals for important equipment, safety materials and of course in widely used computer devices. However, it is the over consumption of single use plastics which are the leading problems in causing the most damaging pollution. The severity of plastic pollution has been documented more and more throughout the years, and today is recognised as one of the biggest threats to marine and human life. With approx. 51 trillion microscopic pieces of plastic, weighing 297,000 tons in our oceans, leading organisations such as Surfers Against Sewage and the Outdoor Swimming Society dedicate their work to educating people on the shocking evidence of this destruction. Offering an insight to how everyone can contribute to helping the environment. Exposing the irresponsible disposal of our waste and explaining the improvements individuals can make to their daily habits to a cleaner ecosystem. The extensive work done by these organisations have had a major impact on myself, this project has allowed me to do my own research into the evidence of plastic ocean pollution in Wales. Conducting my own beach, river and stream cleans as I go.
About Me
Direction
Activist Laura Sanderson is a regional rep for Surfers Against Sewage in Snowdonia, North Wales. It was her work to aid the discovery of microplastic particles in Llyn Glaslyn, a lake situated at the height of 600 meters in Snowdonia that really inspired the direction of my project. After swimming 16miles from the source of the river to the sea, collecting water samples along the way, later revealed the horror of 3 pieces of microplastic per litre of water in the remote Glaslyn 2,000ft above sea level. Experts revealed they were transported via polluted rain, a scary wake up call to ocean pollution. My project took the form of capturing the findings of this research. Glaslyn taking priority in the images of the final piece. Conducting my own research from source to sea, looking at the pollution from South Wales to North Wales. Gathering materials and objects along the way to feature in the final piece.
Idea boardsme about
Idea Samples
about Board One me
Afon o Blastig
Board One Afon o Blastig
Board Two about me Llyn Plastig
Board Two Llyn Plastig
Final Outcome about me This project has been a result of extensive research into the current global issue of plastic pollution, driven by my passion for the preservation of our natural ecosystems and my forever inspiration of the beautiful country of Wales. During this project I have cleaned and collected found object and waste materials from beaches along the South Wales coast from Ogmore to Barry. My daily walk to university along the riverbank of the Taff has also taken a primary place in the final design board one- Afon o Blastig. All plastic from the river will eventually end up in the sea. From the South I transported my project to the North, I am blessed to live a mere 5 minute walk from the beach in Colwyn Bay and therefore was able to easily collate evidence of plastic pollution from the tides of Llandudno beach to Colwyn Bay. I have designed sections of both boards to display these found objects and materials. My admiration for the work done by activist Laura Sanderson is evident in the outcome of this project. Glaslyn is featured as the sole image, meaning any viewer’s vision is automatically drawn to the centre image of Glaslyn being shrouded in plastics and polluted waters. The translation for Glaslyn is Blue Lake, appropriately my artistic interpretation is named Llyn Plastig, translating to Plastic lake. Both boards are mainly made of off cuts of materials from the furniture company Orangebox ltd, I was extremely happy with the aesthetic of the final pieces. The material offcuts of felts and silks were the perfect volume and thickness, whether I had hand dyed the fabrics or used them as provided from the company, they gave the desired affect of a rough and ragged looking ocean, the choppy waves of gorgeous greys and blues. I wanted to create visually pleasing pieces, which from afar entice the audience, but when looked at closer the beautiful, glistening and reflective elements between the layers of manipulated fabric would be revealed as plastics, lightbulbs, drift wood and other found objects protruding from the fabric layers.
Final Outcome
Llyn Plastig & Afon o Blastig
Caitlin Ann Williams
Textile Practitioner Based In North Wales For any enquiries Contact
Caitlinannwilliams6@gmail.com Insta: @caitlinannartist 07549698077