Osprey Studios , Ynyswen, is surrounded by enchanting walks and an extraordinary variety of landscapes.

The exquisite landscapes of this area have influenced my work deeply. It might look like I spend a great deal of time wandering aimlessly about but no, I am Working! Sometimes I take clay out in the Van and work in one of countless stunning spots where the only sound is wind or a river and the wildlife.

The Mobile Studio.

Since I moved to Wales 15 years ago, through the Pit-Marker Memorials, I’ve come to know a lot about the social history of Wales. The Geology under-lies everything about this small country. I moved here from the famous Rhondda Valley  where the ghosts of the Industrial Revolution still loom large. But out here , only 20 miles away from our old house in Blaencwm, the more ancient past seems closer and Nature seems to have over-whelmed the  industrial land-marks. There is still a working mine up the road ( they have made a spectacular mind-boggling hole ! ). There are many Lime Kilns still standing, tram-lines made into  paths ideal for talking while walking together with friends, awesome quarries that have revealed entrances to the huge net-work of Caves underlying every thing in the Brecon Beacons. Water and wind, running under-ground.

There was a factory at this spot that used the falls for power.

for generations people walked to the Mines and Farms for work.

This western half of The Brecon Beacons National Park has been designated a Geo-Park and there is a really good Website full of information and ways to enjoy the area.  http://www.fforestfawrgeopark.org.uk/