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Curiosity and Creativity

When Mam went shopping, Dad and Sian went on an adventurous search for curiosity and creativity.

"It was just a normal Saturday afternoon in Llandudno. Mam had gone shopping and I was with Dad for a few hours so we could do as we pleased! Mam called it 'Mischief'... we liked to think of it as another 'adventure!'

We stood outside Oriel Mostyn, not knowing much about the place, but having passed it before a few times. Without a word, we were inside. I think Dad was just as curious as I was. Why were we here and what was this thing in front of me?

I approached the object, learning later it was called an installation. It was made up of many white hands, which seemed to reach out as though to guide me inside! I was completely blown away by it all! It was a world I never knew existed and I wanted to see more!

From this point onwards, I began keeping sketchbooks - small precious diaries, where I could pour out my thoughts, feelings and ideas.

Dad was a keen photographer. We would go out on the coldest of days taking pictures! He gave me my first photography lesson on Deganwy beach. I even got him helping me with my large fabric paintings!

This passion continued throughout secondary school and took me to university, where I studied Art History. A lot of people told me I wouldn't find work in the Arts, especially not in North Wales! I proved them wrong and feel privileged to have worked at some of North Wales' most prestigious art venues and more recently as Arts Development Officer for my home county of Conwy.

Thinking back to that day, it wasn't just a "normal Saturday afternoon", but rather the start of a life long passion."

Sian Hughes

Please tell us a little about yourself.
I live in Llandudno Junction and have done all my life. Since graduating from the University of Wales Aberystwyth - where I studied Art History - in 2001, I've worked in the Arts, which I'm very passionate about.

What's your story about?
It's about my discovery of art and how I became interested in it. I was very young when I first went to my local art gallery - but it was there where it all began. I also wanted to use this opportunity to thank my Dad for introducing me to art - it was the start of a lifelong passion!
Another particular reason for choosing this story is because I wanted to prove to people that I could find work in my chosen field without leaving North Wales - a place which is close to my heart.

What did you find most rewarding about the workshop?
The opportunity to tell my story and why I do what I do! People ask me all the time, 'Where did such an interest come from?'. Thanks to Capture Wales, I have been able to tell my story as it is!