About the Exhibition
Exhibition open 11:00am – 3:00pm Monday to Friday (Entrance Free)
An exhibition of work by Romola Parish. The pieces exhibited will explore the liminal space between spiritualities, between humans and nature and between Christ and Creation. There are many ways in which the pieces may be read and understood and they can therefore build connections between different perceptions of God and the environment, and engage with each individual’s perspectives.
In Britain, many pre-Christian sacred sites and legends were appropriated and adapted into Christian holy places. Some wells and groves of trees therefore have layered narratives, so it is possible to explore their different meanings concurrently.
The exhibition therefore includes pieces inspired by mythical harps, traditionally made out of wood, and the motif of the foliate face – a masked man (usually) – more commonly known as the Green Man. This motif occurs in many medieval churches, but its original meaning is uncertain. It does seem to be a personification of the spirit of place, of nature and life. Whilst it has connections with pre-Christian mythologies and spiritualities, it can also be read as the figure of Christ, present in Creation. This idea also embraces physical phenomena, such as the Bleeding Yews in the churchyard at Nevern, and the Anglo-Saxon poem The Dream of the Rood that tells the story of the crucifixion from the point of view of the Cross.
I have been exploring the idea of Christ as the Green Man for some time, in poetry and in art, culminating in this collection of pieces. Some are solemn, some are more playful: all are somewhat provocative. They are profoundly theological, but also reflect other spiritualities and world-views.
There is no right or wrong way to read them – that depends where you are coming from. But they are an invitation to think meditate, discuss and pray, and above all to enjoy.
Events during the fortnight
As well as the Exhibition there will be several events happening over the two weeks of the festival
Opening evening including music
by Côr Steffan
April 6th at 7:00pm in the Church
Côr Steffan will open the exhibition by singing a selection of songs from their spring repertoire.
Côr Steffan was created in October 2022 in response to several requests for a choir where people could meet and sing together. The response was enthusiastic and singers, both experienced and new to singing, now meet every Thursday
in Llansteffan Church at 7:00
Writing Workshop
Saturday 13th April
10:00am – 3:00pm
Spend some time with us to create expression in writing your passion and respect for the natural world, Using poetry and prose from top nature writers and simple prompts we will create our own responses to the special springtime and spiritual environment of Llansteffan. No experience of writing is required.
Poetry open mic night
with Siôn Aled and Joe Butler
Saturday 13th April
7:00pm in the Church
Come and hear leading poets Sion Aled and Joe Butler read some of their work. The event will also include 3-minute open mic slots for audience members. If you have a poem or piece of prose on the theme of Coed Bywyd festival then you will be very welcome to share on the night.
Dod yn ôl at Fy Nghoed –
A Nature Connection and Wellbeing walk with Abel Pearson
Sat 20th April, 10:00am – 1:00pm,
Starting from the Church
‘Dod yn ôl at Fy Nghoed’ is a Welsh phrase that translates as ‘coming back to my trees’, but in its deeper meaning, carries something like ‘returning to a balanced state of mind’. It’s no coincidence, that we often find that balance amongst the trees, in nature, one of the most therapeutic and healing places for us.
Join Abel Pearson from Glasbren for a guided journey from St. Steffans church to Lords Park farm, exploring mindfulness, our connection to nature and how time in wild spaces can offer a sense of wellbeing, balance and mindfulness.
Glasshouse Jazz
Saturday April 20th
at 7:00pm in the Church
GLASSHOUSE formed in late 2021, with the intention to play melodic instrumental pieces that are entirely improvised. Drawing on decades of collective experience playing music across many genres, including classical; jazz; alt. rock; world music; and more, all pieces are created ‘in the moment’ making every performance unique.
All events are on a pay as you feel basis. Entry to the exhibition is free