Ken Day
Last updated: 09 May 2007
Slideshow Gallery of Ken's workWhat's your name?: Ken Day
Where are you from originally and where are you now?: Originally from the fenland of East Anglia, I have lived in west Wales for many years. My family and I lived in Dinefwr Park, Llandeilo for a number of years before moving to nearby Llandybie.
What medium / media do you work in?: I am a photographer using both film and digital capture.
How would you describe your work?
In my work I try to portray the essence of the landscape and to present nature in a combination of art and science. Cultural and artistic events are also subjects I focus on, concentrating on Welsh heritage.
What are your influences and inspirations?: Nature, the landscape itself and the cultural heritage that is derived from these inspire and inform my work.
Which piece are you most proud of and why?: My best work is done when the light is long at evening or early morning. At these times the harshness of vertical light is replaced by the depth and mystery of mist, shadow and highlight. 'Pink Mist, Blue Dawn' taken at first light in deep snow in Dinefwr Park is one of my best pieces (Editors note: you can see that image in Ken's slideshow), as is 'Fall Bay at First Light'.
Another, at the end of the day, is 'Meanders in the Tywi near Bethlehem'.
On a larger scale, I have just completed a four-year project, a book called 'Beloved Tywi - A Visual Journey'. Published by Gomer at the end of October 2006, it explores the famous salmon and sewin river from its source in the Cambrian Mountains to the sea in Carmarthen Bay. Not only does it contain many of my best images, but it also has over 20 written contributions by local people in a wide range of subjects, and includes a foreword by Mererid Hopwood. These compliment the strong visual elements with real connections to life along this exquisite valley. Published, printed and bound to the highest standards here in west Wales, it represents the very best this country can produce.
Have you had any exhibitions - if so, where? Do you have any planned in the future?: Most recently, I had shows in National Botanic Gardens and County Offices, Llandeilo, and am planning a series of exhibitions to co-incide with 'Beloved Tywi' at a number of venues, including the Dylan Thomas Boathouse, Aberglasney Gardens, Newton House, Dinefwr and the Civic Hall in Llandeilo.
Please give a brief description of one or two of the projects you've worked on recently.: Apart from the book, I have contributed numerous illustrated articles and cover photographs for 'Carmarthenshire Life' magazine, have undertaken many commissions and have published more than 30 different greeting and postcards.
What are your views on the current arts scene nationally and in South Wales?: When I first became involved with the arts scene in rural west wales at the turn of the century, there was little activity. Now, things are more optimistic, especially in my own discipline. There are more studios opening, more galleries being successful, and more festivals than can be counted. This must surely be an indicator of a national resurgence in the arts.Gallery: Ken's photographs
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Nodi achlysur Ysgol Gyfun Gwyr yn Abertawe yn 25 oed.
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