Artist Statement

I am a multi-media artist who enjoys the process of experimentation. Recently, my attention has been drawn towards exploring the art of storytelling through the creation of soundscapes and collection of objects. The process of meeting and listening to others’ stories is a constant source of inspiration which propels me to create. For example, ex-miners based in the South Wales area illuminated local history through sharing their old work routines, workwear and tools form a personal, human perspective with me. These were then woven into a patchwork soundscape, punctuated with atmospheric sounds such as alarms, damp footsteps and machinery noise to offer insight into the context of a painting from the permanent collection at the National Museum and Art Gallery of Wales, Cardiff.

I have also gained inspiration from those who participate in my art workshops that are designed inclusively and in a person-centred way to enable them to fully express themselves during sessions. This could be while experimenting with abstract and expressive art techniques. Thoughtful and meaningful interactions with the public are essential to my practice. Please see my website for further information about my work.

For this exhibition, I created ‘A Welsh Miners Story’, inspired by the sharing of local stories and history often discussed over a drink at Clwb y Bont, Pontypridd.  I was also inspired by the wider context within which Clwb y Bont sits, what was once a mining community in the valleys. Especially for this project, six stories have been shared with me by ex-miners in the South Wales area. From each of the stories, I extracted a key object to paint using acrylic paint in an illustrative style. All of the paintings are accompanied by the text of the original story as well as being read aloud via QR code scan. Half of the audio recordings are from the miners themselves, the rest are read by people from the South Wales area, dependent on how they shared their stories with me during lockdown.

If you or anyone you know is an ex-miner and would wish to share their story with me to bring it to life through the medium of art, please do get in touch at: maddyjtuck@gmail.com or on Instagram @maddytuckarts using the hashtag #awelshminersstory.