Patagonia project

Patagonia project
Collaboration with  Carlos Pinatti ( Argentinian artist based in Cardiff ) and Gerald Conn ( Cardiff based animator ) 
2008
Spending time  in Chubut Argentina where there is a welsh settlement for over 150 years looking at the relationship between the Welsh ( migrants ) and the indigenous Indians at the time when they first went over. Welsh can still be heard spoken today in Chubut today along with Spanish. 
The work focusses on the exchanges of skills, materials and goods in order for both the Indian and welsh  to survive in such hard times. 
Installation work includes : 
film
felt works, 
assemblages
drawings

blanket in welsh wool and Gwenaco hair.  
Inside blanket on white welsh mixture wool there is a printed recipe for bread. The welsh introduced printing and bread to the Indians. 
On the outer side there are subtle disappearing images of communicative markings by the Indians taken form branding irons. 

blanket displayed in a roll on the floor of gallery. There was a blanket always rolled up on a horse cart by the welsh, and a symbol of comfort. 
Museum box: 
This consisted of a pair of white museum gloves, various  items and materials referencing  the swapping of goods and skills. The Indians taught the welsh how to catch the Oaustridge, with the boeadora, the feathers became a market in Paris and  Europe. An Ostridge egg was once brought to a welsh home by an Indian where a new born baby was fighting for survival, It survived due to the indians gift. 
The box references a survival box 150 years ago, almost like a first aid box but a museum story today. 
Bread rolls, the boleadora, Ostridge feathers, welsh wool, nesting eggs, Gwenaco hair, welsh printed hymn tunes. 

Poco bara
Tin tray
Gwenaco wool/ hair
wire
printing ink
loosely rolled gwenaco balls wrapped in wire. with the letters POCO BARA  written on them referencing bread rolls,  Poco ( a little ) Bara ( bread )  
The Indians were introduced to wheat and bread by the welsh, in return for their skills to survive in this distant land for the welsh.  
One day, as the story goes, when an Indian was behind bars in the prison (  he saw a welsh man who he recognised to be welsh through the colour of his skin so he shouted ‘Poco Bara’  this being his cry for help !