Welcome to the Dylan Thomas Summer School

The power of word lies in the subconscious. I’ve always known, but never known why.

Bore da.

We wake up in Wales before the first class. 

I’m nervous to go to the workshop because I’m not sure what lies ahead. Sharing my work would be terrifying. 

What is creative writing? 

            What is creative story telling?

Is creative writing just fiction? 

Do I have to be poetic & lyrical?

Is creative writing whimsical?

Do I need to make abstract lines & hint-ful metaphors? 

Or can I just write

What is creative writing?

Is repetition alright? 

But how much is too much? 

This work is about my journey of exploration in Wales and the creative work. 

The parallels of exploring new artforms while experiencing a new place. To be able to showcase the immersive culture in the work of art. To fall in love with a sense of place. 

I have decided to include short moving images overlaid by notes, words, and captions I developed during my time at the Dylan Thomas Summer School. 

I was first disappointed that I didn’t bring my camera to capture the beauty around me. Then I remembered, the point is not to take the clearest image in two dimensions, but to bring in a new perspective. I hope I’ve done that by combining my love for photography and storytelling (like my elaborate snapchat stories) along with my affinity to write strictly analytical work to create short captions that truly capture my experience and captivate my audience. For those unaware- snapchat decreases the photo quality no matter how great of a phone camera you have. I looked to that when creating this work. 

This isn’t about perfection. It’s about the short quick snippets that make a lasting impression. 

This is a time to explore and try out different forms of writing. To get bits and pieces of education and history. The poet, singer and songwriter Twm Morys said “it takes 7 years to learn [Cynghanedd]” here we are trying it in one workshop. This follows the theme of the work presented on this site. Here are the snaps, the sense of life. 

We will explore “What is Wales?” 

is it a British Scotland with Irish looks? How much can you really tell about a place by the company they keep? 

From the imagined Wales, the first interactions, Wales welcoming us, and Wales reacting to us. (The work for what was left behind will be completed after the conclusion of this program)

Until we wake up here again,

Nos da.