Getting to know Simon Whitehead

Simon Whitehead is an artist living in Pembrokeshire. His work will be exhibited at ‘Y Lle Celf’, the arts and crafts pavilion at Eisteddfod y Garreg Las in Llantwd this August.

Here, we ask Simon about his creative practice and Welsh-language journey.

What is your background?

I grew up in Leeds. My father is Welsh, from Brymbo, near Wrexham. My grandmother was a Welsh speaker, and some family members still live in the area. After a period of working in dance education in Glasgow, I moved to London and then to New York to continue my training as a dancer.

Since when have you been learning Welsh?

In 1993 I decided to leave my life in the city and move to Pen Llŷn and I started learning Welsh on an intensive ‘WLPAN’ course. Since 1998 I have lived in Pembrokeshire. After a period of not being on a formal course, last year I joined a course at Canolfan Hermon with Learn Welsh Pembrokeshire. I'm really enjoying the course and my confidence in speaking the language is growing, I'm sure my grandmother would be happy to hear that I am learning Welsh.

What is your job?

I work as a movement artist, teacher and bodyworker. I make performances, dances, walks and field recordings. I enjoy writing and collaborating with other artists, communities and within the landscape.

You have collaborated with the river to create your work which will be in ‘Y Lle Celf’ this year. Tell us more about your work

In my work 'Dulais' I have developed ways of recording the Afon Dulais using my Fender Stratocaster guitar. The river Dulais is close to my home, a mile down the river from Ffynnon Annwn in north Pembrokeshire. The river plays the guitar with more sophistication than I can on my own and has many voices. The recordings will be played through a sound shower in ‘Y Lle Celf’ in the Eisteddfod y Garreg Las in August. Come along to ‘Y Lle Celf’ and experience the watery ambience of the Afon Dulais.

You can learn more about Simon and his work by following the next link: Simon Whitehead