Swynwraig with Rufus Mufasa

Recently, I've been asked what am I doing these days!

I've been working on a collaboration with Rufus Mufasa (International Literary Activist, Lyricist-Poet-Rapper-Mother) on her Swynwraig* project * The last time we worked together was in 2018 (Landmarks).

I'm facilitating mixed media workshops focussing on textiles with Rufus and Rhian Anderson. We're creating a patchwork denim banner and clothes for a parade with local people in the Abertridwr Valley. There are also online sessions that explore the language of the valley, feminism in language. We're learning Welsh through 'Hop Tŷ' gatherings online and in person. Exploring the Welsh language in experimental ways changes our relationship with it and helps make it easier to remember. I'm still struggling with it – however, it's giving me new ideas for paintings!

(The Welsh word Swyn means spell, charm, or incantation, the direct translation of Swynwraig is “charm lady”, “spell wife” or “woman who practises incantations).”

Rufus invited Dr. Gemma June Howell to our online gatherings. Gemma says,

“During my presentation at Swynwraig, a group focused on exploring identity, place, history, connection, culture, Welsh language, and creativity, I discussed my Ph.D research. Contributing to feminist epistemology, my research aims to shed light on the disparities between social perceptions and the ‘real-life’ lived experiences of working-class people.

I talked about how I presented my findings in an innovative way through a hybrid novel. This novel combines two distinct literary genres that intertwine technically, introspectively, and thematically. The main narrative is a tribute to working-class people of various backgrounds, living on the fringes of post-industrial neoliberal Britain. This narrative is complemented by concrete poetry in a punk graffiti style.

This unique structure allowed for a deeper exploration of hidden narratives and facilitated connections between economic poverty, stigmatization, and marginalization during key periods of social change in contemporary British history. My novel incorporates diverse narrative voices and literary styles, ranging from poetic to polemic and melodramatic to comedic. These elements strengthen both character development and the novel's non-conformist message. This unique approach aims to give voice to the experiences of working-class women, in the context of social and economic change in Wales.

Throughout the story, centred around the character Girlo Wolf, I depicted five generations of familial relationships, friendships, and acquaintances. It serves as an exploration of the diverse lived experiences, revealing the historical and current discrimination, marginalization, and subjugation of working-class women in the UK.

Additionally, I shared excerpts from my valley dialect collection titled ‘Rock Life: 17 poems from the Welsh Valleys,’ highlighting the diversity of culture and class in Wales. As well as a few concrete poems which feature in my forthcoming novel and have been published in Poetry Wales (Summer 2023) and The London Magazine (Winter 2021).

I believe that women coming together to discuss the evolution of language holds immense importance, particularly from a feminist perspective. Language is not just a tool of communication but a reflection of societal norms and power dynamics. These gatherings provide a platform for women to explore how language has historically shaped and sometimes limited their roles, and how it can be a powerful vehicle for empowerment and change.

Through these conversations, creativity becomes a bridge that connects and unites women across generations, cultures and languages. It allows for the expression of diverse experiences and perspectives, strengthening the cultural and heritage bonds that tie them together. By reclaiming and reshaping language, women empower themselves to challenge traditional narratives and rewrite their own stories, fostering a sense of solidarity and progress in the ongoing pursuit of gender equality."

Come along to our session tomorrow evening, Wednesday 4th October from 6 – 8pm at Dwell Cafe, Senghenydd, CG83 4FY. Everyone is welcome! Materials and tuition are free.

Our community arts activism parade will take place at the end of this month. Look out for updates on our socials.

Swynwraig is part of 'Undercurrents On Our Doorstep' a partnership project between Undercurrents Arts in the Aber Valley community group; Caerphilly County Borough Council and ADDO. Funded by the Arts Council of Wales Connect and Flourish with additional funding and in-kind support from Caerphilly County Borough Council's Arts Development Team, The Integrated Wellbeing Network Gwent and Aber Valley Community Council and Growing Space, Pontypool.