Nature isn't Neat

Posted on April 26, 2023 by Steph

A community lead Public Art commissioned project that raises awareness of the importance of rewilding that support habitates for insects and pollinators.

'New nature inspired artworks have appeared in green spaces across Gwent, inspiring more people to value the nature we can find in our communities.

The pieces were developed as part of the Nature isn’t Neat project, which aims to raise awareness of the decline in pollinators and encourage local action, including embedding a regional meadow management approach across the Gwent area.

Over the summer of 2022, communities designed and built mosaic artworks which reflect the beauty of nature in their local green spaces.

They were developed by mosaic and visual artist, Stephanie Roberts to create a lasting legacy to the Nature isn’t Neat campaign.

Each sculpture is inspired by a local plant and pollinator species, which can be seen in the mosaics.

We held two workshops where communities helped design and build the final artwork that reflects the nature that surrounds them.

The artworks are situated across Gwent, in Gilfach, Bargoed, Bryn Bach Park, Tredegar, Rogerstone Welfare Grounds, Rogerstone, Fairhill, Cwmbran.

Cabinet Member for Climate Change and the Environment, Cllr Catrin Maby said: “The new artworks are fantastic and provide a lasting testament to Nature Isn’t Neat and the positive effect its principles have had on wildlife and pollinators across Gwent.”

“The selective mowing approach that allows grasses and wildflowers to thrive for longer is supporting pollinators and a diverse range of wildlife generally. To have the community come together to help celebrate this through a community led artwork is truly wonderful.”This community art project is supported by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe Investing in Rural Areas and is funded by the Welsh Government’s Enabling of Natural Resources and Well-being Grant.'

Nature isn't Neat Please see link for more information about the species featured in the artwork.

Follow the nature isn't neat trail this spring

Thank you to Bill Chambers - Print Maker for fascilitating the print workshops.

Stevie Pond - Carpeter, support assistant and chief installer

Nick Jones - Metal Worker

Research into plant species is combined with print workshops which allows for the process of designing to come directly from nature. Using plants and inks to obtain beautifully layered images, this colour transfer print process, uses a hot press to transfer colours to fabric. The process is exciting and allows for the experienced and newcomers to art to become designers. This process is fun and accessible to participants of any age and ability.

Participants were encouraged to Learn the Art of Mosaic and support me in the process of colour design and andamento, finding the flow and movement of the tiles or glass. Learning the techniques of cutting and constructing the mosaics using stained glass inlayed into Welsh slate, gave opportunities to learn new skills and gain an understanding of the processes involved in making their public artwork.

We also encorporated other materials into the designs that connect to the heritage of each area ie coal, pottery, stones etc.