Community

Something about Jackie Morris

Published

9 years ago

March 12, 2015

Jackie Morris’ ‘Something about a Bear’: Published by Francis Lincoln in October 2014

JACKIE MORRIS is a world-renowned children’s author and artist, who lives just outside of St. David’s. Jackie exhibits her painting nationwide and has worked with authors such as Ted Hughes and Robin Hobb. In October 2014, Jackie had her latest book, ‘Something about a Bear’, published, and she is currently working to a tight deadline on ‘The Wild Swans’. We at The Herald recently spoke with Jackie about living and working as an artist in Pembrokeshire.

Jackie told us that most of her inspiration comes from her walks; living just outside St. David’s, Jackie is always surrounded with picturesque landscapes and scenery. Jackie told us that ‘The Ice Bear’, which was published in July 2014, is set on top of the world. Although the book is heavily concentrated with Inuit culture, Jackie dreamt up the setting for ‘The Ice Bear’ while on top of a cliff in Pembrokeshire, watching the ravens fly around her. God’s house, in one of the books she illustrated for Ted Hughes, is modelled on her neighbour’s house, she said.

Jackie moved to Pembrokeshire twenty-three years ago from Bath, so I asked her if she thought her artistry had changed since moving to our coastal county. She explained that she had definitely seen a change happen. While living in Bath, her paintings were often tall houses and archways modelled on Bath’s architecture. Since living in Pembrokeshire, most of her art is based on a peninsular landscape and a lot of space has crept into her work. Her new house immediately inspired her work in the form of a pair of hobnail boots that the estate agent had told her not to move. There are superstitions that leaving the shoe of a child who has moved away, or even died, in the attic will draw their souls back. ‘There are so many stories tangled in that,’ Jackie said. Inspired by the boots, she wrote a story about a mother who had put the boot of her son, who had gone to war, in the attic. Many had believed the story to be true. The boot is still in the attic, and Jackie will not even take it out of the house to take a picture of it outside.

Jackie takes a lot of inspiration from inside her house, and her attic studio is filled with stuffed animals. ‘It’s actually getting kind of creepy,’ Jackie commented. She fills her workroom with things to inspire her when writing and illustrating her next book. While out shopping a few weeks ago, Jackie noticed a beautiful wedding dress, which she immediately bought for her studio. She is currently taken inspiration from the garment for her next book.

When I asked Jackie if she had a favourite painting or book, she laughed and stated: “I hate them all.” Jackie struggles as nothing ever comes out the way she wants it to. She is completely obsessed with writing and illustrating the book and it takes a lot of time, but she struggles with confidence when she has finished it. She starts with a lot of enthusiasm, but by the end she is worried that the book is not as good as the last. Jackie was often in tears over her work, but she is starting to get over that now. She gained a lot of confidence talking to other artists she admired who also suffered with the same problems. Jackie is very busy churning out book after book and she talked about the fact that she only gets a minute to appreciate the finished piece before moving on to the next. Jackie has a real compulsion to paint, though, and loves becoming immersed in the world of a book, so she is very grateful that she gets to read books, write books and paint for a living. Jackie had always wanted to be an artist since the age of six, but a lot of people said that she could not paint for a career. She is aware that she is very lucky to have proved those comments to be wrong.

Recently, Jackie has found a new passion in stone sculpting. ‘The first cut released a wonderful smell of sulphur’, she commented, talking about how wonderful her experience working with stone was. Used to very twiddly, fine painting, Jackie wanted to find something a little more physical. “My paintings, on paper, will be gone in three or four hundred years,” stated Jackie, “but stone lasts forever.” Jackie loves the stories that rocks tell, their smell, and their beauty. It is also very good for working out frustration, apparently.

Jackie currently has an exhibition on in the Druidstone Hotel, which is mostly artwork from ‘Song of the Golden Hare’, and she also has work in Narberth’s Golden Sheaf and Porthgain’s Shed. She has just had a show in the National Botanical Gardens of Wales and has work in galleries all over the UK.

Community

Suspected explosive device found on west Wales beach

Published

32 mins ago

April 26, 2024

Luke Sinclair

NEW QUAY Coastguard Rescue Team were tasked at 03:50 this morning following a report of suspected washed up Ordnance on Llanrhystud beach. Following an assessment by the Army Bomb Disposal Team it was discovered the item was not Ordnance. It was reported with good intent and thankfully there was no risk to the public.

Reporting of ordnance – Always be mindful of objects you may discover on our beaches.

Our shores are filled with history, but remnants from the past can still sometimes wash up on our shores today.

If you find something on the beach that’s an unusual size or shape, especially if it’s rusty, it could be an unexploded ordnance.

What should I do if I find something that looks unusual on the beach?

While it is very rare to find unexploded ordnance on a visit to the beach, bad weather and high tides can expose these objects. It’s important to be cautious, as ordnance comes in all shapes and sizes.

If you do come across something on the beach that you’re unsure of or suspect could be unexploded ordnance, please don’t touch it or move it. Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard – we will take immediate steps with the relevant partner authorities to keep people safe and ensure the item in question is disposed of correctly.

Community

Port of Milford Haven renews partnership with Milford Youth Matters

Published

1 day ago

April 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE Port of Milford Haven has strengthened its commitment to supporting the development of young people via a renewed partnership agreement with Milford Youth Matters. The two organisations have been working in collaboration for over five years to improve skills, aspirations, confidence levels and positive experiences for young people in Milford Haven. The new three-year agreement will enable Milford Youth Matters to deliver Friday night youth provision at a new venue based in Haven’s Head Business Park.

The partnership between the Port and Milford Youth Matters has resulted in hugely successful youth projects including the award-winning Under the Bridge project, WAVE – a water-safety initiative – and Winter Warmers, which provided young people with free meals and a warm space to socialise in a safe environment. All projects are supporting young people to achieve their full potential with many learning new skills, gaining qualifications and taking up volunteering activities. They have also led to a decreased anti-social behaviour in the area.

The new premises at Haven’s Head will allow Milford Youth Matters to expand their current offering and focus more on their academy work, which includes upskilling young people.

Dayle Gibby, Co-Ordinator at Milford Youth Matters said: “Its fantastic that the Port of Milford Haven shares our vision in providing ongoing opportunities for young people in our community. By working together we are able to align our resources to ensure that young people are provided with experiences that will enhance their future potential, whether that be employability, volunteering or to become active members of our town. Our ongoing and enhanced partnership looks to ensure the maximum impact is achieved with long lasting benefits for our future generations.”

Lauren Williams, PR & Communications Officer added: “We’re lucky to have organisations like Milford Youth Matters on our doorstep, offering young people creative outlets and skills opportunities. Our partnership over the past 5 years has gone from strength to strength and we are delighted to be able to increase our support over the coming years.”

Community

Castle tearoom serves up new sensory-friendly sessions

Published

1 day ago

April 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEW sensory-friendly sessions at a popular castle tearoom will enable visitors with additional needs to enjoy a welcoming and accommodating environment tailored to their specific requirements.

As part of an initiative to boost engagement with a more diverse audience, Carew Castle, which is run by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, will be running a new Quiet Hour and Power Hour at Nest Tearoom on the second Monday of each month.

The Quiet Hour, designed to provide a safe space for anyone who feels anxious or overwhelmed when out in public, will take place between 9am and 10am, before the Castle opens. Bright lighting and noise will be kept to a minimum and visitors will be able to enjoy quieter activities in a relaxing environment.

The Power Hour is scheduled for 4.30pm to 5.30pm and offers an energetic and engaging session, tailored to promote physical movement and social engagement. The aim is to create an opportunity for individuals who thrive in more active settings to connect with others, without concern for excessive noise or social interaction.

Manager of Carew Castle, Daisy Hughes, said: “We are thrilled to introduce these new sensory-friendly sessions at Carew Castle, as part of our ongoing commitment to accessibility and inclusivity.

“The Quiet Hour and Power Hour sessions aim to cater to the specific needs of our visitors, providing them with an environment where they can truly be themselves. As well as being able to use the café facilities, visitors will be able to explore the Castle garden. For those who wish to explore the Castle, entry is free with a Carers Card. Otherwise, normal entry fees apply.”

The Castle, which was named Pembrokeshire Visitor Attraction of the Year in last year’s Croeso Awards isn’t the only Park Authority-run site to adapt the visitor experience to accommodate more diverse audiences. A Sunday morning Quiet Hour was introduced at Castell Henllys Iron Age Village in 2019 to encourage people who would not otherwise have visited the site to come along and discover more about the lives of their ancient ancestors.

To learn more about the sensory-friendly sessions and to plan your visit, please contact Carew Castle directly on 01646 651782 or visit www.carewcastle.com. Further information about Castell Henllys’ Quiet Hour can be found at www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/castell-henllys/about-castell-henllys/accessibility-2/.