Blogs

I have finally reached the crowning section of the Left Coast Eisteddfod lovespoon and will now enjoy some time bringing the guardian dragon to life. I have 'ummed and ahhed' about how I am going to tackle this little chap and have decided to carve him 'in the round' (fully 3 dimensional). The walnut I am using is of a sufficient thickness to handle it, so I think that it is the way to go.

I have been calling him "Dafydd the Dragon" as I've been working on the spoon, but I but have now decided that because Dafydd is my name, he should be called something else.

So I've decided to throw a little competition to name him and it's open to anyone who wishes to offer a good alternative. Sorry, that there are no grand prizes for this, only the glory of having the name you suggest become the dragon's name for the duration of the carving and hopefully beyond when the lucky winner takes him home! In two weeks I'll get Gaabi and Ceri to pick the winner and we'll have an official naming! That will also be my incentive to get him done! Now you may be wondering why I say it is a he when it could conceivably be a she...and there is no valid reason that I could defend in a court of law for that...I've just had the feeling he is, a he!! So there you go, if you can think of a good name for him and are inclined to send it to us; give it a shot!

I'm going to break up the carving into 3 sections for the blog. I'll round out his body and shape the back scales first, then I will move on to the head and finally, I'll shape out the wings. This week is the body.

I've decided that I want to really exaggerate the scales along his back when I carve him, so I've excavated fairly deeply in those sections. I'm hoping that will help cast a nice shadow when he hangs on the wall and will generate a feeling of movement.

Once the scales have taken shape, I will start rounding the body, legs and tail sections. My plan is to leave him 'from the knife' (that is with the cut marks clearly visible in the form of facetting) rather than to smooth him down too much. I think that leaving him facetted will make for a more vibrant and lively carving, especially when viewed from a few feet away. It will also echo the idea of a scaley skin rather than looking too smooth and featureless.

Here's how he looks so far. I have roughed out the flow of his tail and put a nice tip on it, shaped the scales and rounded the front half of the body, started shaping the leg and have ramped the chest down so that the knotwork which will become his tongue can pass over.

Next week I'll shape the neck and head and will clean up the tongue knot. I also have an idea for the eye which will either be a complete success or a total calamitous disaster...stay tuned!

In the meantime, the Left Coast Eisteddfod welcomes any and all donations! . Please consider gifting this exciting cultural event! Every dollar you donate entitles you to a ticket in the draw for this very lovespoon!

Welsh Music Series for Wales Week, March 1-8

From the page:- "As part of Wales Week, The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts is presenting a week-long series, Music of Wales: Screenings from Welsh Television that includes programs of opera, jazz, popular music, and rock. Opening March 1 with a 2006 recital by the bass-baritone Bryn Terfel, the series also features a documentary about Welsh harpist Catrin Finch, The Merry Widow performed by the Welsh Opera, a concert by popular stylist Shirley Bassey, a documentary on the international hit singer Petula Clark, a jazz concert by Liane Carroll, and a rock concert by John Cale, among others. All of these videos will be having their American premieres. The programs have been donated by BBC Wales and by S4C (the rock concert) to the Library's archival collections." ... .MORE .

Wales Week: Owen Sheers and Paul Watkins in Discussion Thursday, March 5, 6:30

From the page:- "In celebration of Wales Week, renowned Welsh authors Owen Sheers and Paul Watkins will be in discussion together at the Humanities and Social Sciences Library on March 5. On Saturday, March 7 poets Samuel Menashe and Jon Curley visit the Jefferson Market Branch to share their work and discuss their craft. The Library presents more than 20,000 free public programs throughout its 87 branches in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island annually, complementing its broad collections and other services. ... .MORE .

( Reproduced from an email circular. For full details on CeltFest , including ticket sales, please visit WWW.CELTFEST.COM . Watch the CeltFest Video below and here . )

Cardiff International Arena - in the very heart of Wales's capital - will play host to CELTFEST '09 , a day-long festival on March 21st 2009, the day of the Wales and Ireland match - final game of the RBS Six Nations Championship - featuring the very best entertainment from both nations plus:

Largest pre- & post-match party in Wales!

Giant Screen showing Wales v Ireland game from the Millennium Stadium - the CeltFest screen is the largest screen ever used in Wales!

Largest Bar Facilities in Cardiff: world-class Welsh ales from champion brewers Felinfoel.

All Day Speciality Foods.

Celebrity hosts and comperes from the world of sport and television, including Rugby legends - past & present!

CeltFest is a Six Nations Celebration, a celebration of the very best entertainment from Wales & Ireland, an all day festival providing an amazing atmosphere and surroundings to enjoy the full experience which only Wales v Ireland in Cardiff can provide!

This is the first time such an impressive and varied line up has been presented on the same bill, it includes world star and special guest - BRYN TERFEL, Welsh Queen of Pop - CERYS MATTHEWS, Ireland's number one folk group - THE WOLFE TONES, Welsh patriotic icon - DAFYDD IWAN, plus much, much more.

CELTFEST IS THE ULTIMATE MATCH DAY ENTERTAINMENT EXPERIENCE!.

One ticket, costing only 25, will provide admission to the venue for the full day - midday to midnight. Upon entrance to CeltFest, ticket holders will receive a special CeltFest wristband, allowing you to leave and return to the venue at any time throughout the event.

Whether you have a ticket for the game or not, CeltFest is the best place to be to savour the greatest party in Six Nations history. CeltFest will be a sell out event, early booking is recommended.

For full details on CeltFest, including ticket sales, please visit WWW.CELTFEST.COM

Watch the CeltFest Video below and here .