Between the Lines 2011-

Drawing our community together through the medium of portraits

This unique project and its subsequent exhibitions celebrate the strength of community life in Wales. It focuses on the contribution individuals make to achieve the community they wish to live in. It aims to give an insight into what motivates those people who actively contribute to the community and celebrate how their actions help and inspire others. From local builders, teachers, first responders, park rangers, politicians, grandmothers to ocean rowers and Tibetan Buddhist monks, the project aims to show how strong the Welsh community is and shine a light on who these people are and what they value.
In 2011, with Barry, South Wales as the focal point, Glyn commenced a series of portraits of people he met every day who he felt touched the community in some way or other. Each person involved suggested another living person who they knew personally and who they believed had made an outstanding contribution to the community at large, and was an inspiration in their lives. Glyn then drew these people and so the process repeated itself creating a web of interactions which map our community spirit. The aim is to be as diverse and open as possible, being led by those taking part.
Through the combined mediums of pencil drawings, black and white film photographs and written statements a unique record of community life in Wales, particularly Barry, has been documented. A portrait is drawn and a black and white silver gelatin photograph taken of each participant. Each person is invited to write a short profile of their lives and offer a written message. The result is a dialogue between each individual sitter and the viewer. Those taking part have shared their voices and experiences.
What is has revealed is that we are all interconnected; bonded by our community, our contribution and our shared humanity. It shows that we should be proud of our local Welsh Community.