Coracle Cwlwm from Anglesey was in London as part of an inspiring exhibition.
Our self-made coracle was included as a part of a monumental exhibition titled ‘Come As you Really Are’, conceived by artist and filmmaker Hetain Patel and produced by ArtAngel - a celebration of the nations’ passions, hobbies, creative acts and collections. The exhibition includes over 15,000 incredible objects and creations.
Our house North Wales came with a large pond, complete with a very small island. I wanted to understand and interact with this body of water. On occasion I jump in for a swim of course, but I became drawn to the idea of having a boat of some sort. The only appropriate vessel to me was a traditional Welsh coracle. My husband and I joined a local workshop and have now made our own coracle which we paddle on our pond when the water levels are enough. Our two daughters love coming for rides and are learning the traditional figure 8 paddling method as well. Many thanks to James Carpenter, local coracle-enthusiast and wood-worker, who lead the making workshop.
I am a retired competitive swimmer. I've never had much interest in being ON the water, I’d rather be in it! But from the very first moment, I felt very comfortable in a coracle. Each movement within your body is reflected in the movement of the boat, very much like swimming. Coracles are not directional like most boats, it is a complete 360 experience. It is just as easy to go forward as it is backward or around and around.
I am an artist, with a great love for many different materials. And although I think my interest in coracles did grow from my life as an artist, I would not consider the coracle to be an artwork in itself. It is part of the process of home-making and simply a very enjoyable thing to do!
We were all very pleased when our coracle was invited to be a part of the exhibition, our coracle sits with a slip cast ceramic life vest from and amongst incredible woodwork. A cosplay costume guards the view. Lovely to see our ideas and time, our creations and treasured things share a little space in the world independent of us!
‘Come As You Really Are’ was at The Hobby Cave @ Grants of Croydon in 2024.
The show (including our coracle) will be opening at Glynn Vivian Gallery in Swansea in February 2025, so please go and visit!
Julie Upmeyer
