Joshua Morgan was one of the four finalists in the Welsh Learner of the Year competition at the 2024 Rhondda Cynon Taf National Eisteddfod.
Josh writes and illustrates books under the name Sketchy Welsh.
Tell us a little bit about yourself…
I’m an illustrator living in Cardiff with my wife and two sons. I was born in Bridgend but moved to the Midlands when I was quite young. I moved back to Wales to study at Cardiff University. I spend a lot of my time in the sea, playing music, and recently, learning and speaking Welsh!
How/where did you learn Welsh?
When I lived in South Africa, I learned the ‘isixhosa’ language. That’s when I had the realisation I could learn another language, and that language is an essential part of connecting with culture. When I moved back to Wales, I was keen to learn Welsh. I used SaySomethinginWelsh (SSIW), and last year, I registered on a Learn Welsh course.
As an illustrator, I create drawings to make new words and sentences more memorable for myself. I started sharing the illustrations and other people were enjoying learning Welsh words through a visual medium. That was the beginning of my campaign to illustrate the Welsh language under the name ‘Sketchy Welsh’.
Tell us a bit about your new book, ‘Ble ydw i?’ (Where am I?)
My new book, ‘Ble ydw i?’, is a collection of questions and answers along with my illustrations to help people who are learning Welsh to use and speak the language in Wales. I have tried to use common structures and language that people use. I’m always amazed at how much you can learn by trying to understand very simple sentences. The book will be useful for more experienced learners too, because it’s possible to answer the questions in several ways. The illustrations are quite strange, colourful, and funny in order to make the book enjoyable and memorable!
What inspires you to write/illustrate?
I enjoy writing stories. I started learning how to draw so I could use illustrations in the stories I’ve been writing. I began by learning how to draw things like bones and anatomy. Then, I started experimenting to find my own style for creating illustrated books. I’ve done a lot of documentary photography in the past, and I enjoy bringing my characters to life.
Since when have you been interested in illustration?
I started learning how to draw about six years ago. It’s a great feeling to be able to combine both learning Welsh and drawing.
Do you enjoy reading? What’s your favourite book?
Yes, I spend a lot of my time reading. I'm currently reading 'The Hobbit' in Welsh. I'm also reading 'The Assembly of the Severed Head' by Hugh Lupton about the creation of the Mabinogion. I love Dylan Thomas and enjoy 'Under Milk Wood' and 'Dan y Wenallt'. I also love R. S. Thomas, Emily Dickenson, and Ted Hughes. I'm not quite sure which is my favourite, maybe 'East of Eden' or the Mabinogion.
Where do you like to be when writing/illustrating?
I often work in the 'First Light' cafe in Tongwynlais. It’s a great place. I'm currently building a desk with my brother so I don’t do everything on the dinner table!
Are you working on any other projects?
Yes! I'm always working on different projects. I hope to finish my book about 'Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau' (Land of my Fathers) this year. I've been creating a card game too, and about 10 other things.
