Tell us about yourself and your creative background?
I came to Wales in 2005 to work and study further in design for media in Cardiff and have stayed since. I have been surrounded by beautiful Welsh scenery and vibrant culture, where I settled in the small, beautiful town of Penarth. After graduating BA in Design for Media, I worked as a freelance graphic designer, filmmaker and photographer on several national and international non-profit projects. Years later, I stepped out of the industry to develop research skills. I recently gained a Master of Research (MRes) in Art & Design at Cardiff Metropolitan University and am currently exploring the world of black-and-white illustrations. A cross-disciplinary practice supports insights into art and design; my work in one discipline influences another. To create my drawings, I use my notebook, black pen, imagination, and minimal technology, which I believe is a unique way to explore creativity. Living in Wales enables me to become more open about myself and explore the connected roots of creativity between diverse cultures.
How would you describe your work?
Despite having a photography and filmmaking background and focusing on one skill, I enjoy learning something new, especially sketching and drawing. My work method is currently black and white sketching type illustrations, embracing a more interpretive or abstract approach. By stripping away colour, the focus is placed on the subject's abstract form allowing the viewer to connect with the drawing. I aim to illustrate the subject to convey a particular mood, emotion, concept or story. This sketching technique allows me to experiment and have creative freedom. Imagination is endless; possibilities are endless. My next step is to learn how to make simple black-and-white animations.
Tell us about your design for this commission?
The idea was around crafting an illustration that creatively interprets the logo, containing the essence of connecting artists and collaborating with the community. I used hand-drawn sketches of people and various creative locations. I wanted to represent significant places and people I collaborated with and met at multiple events at Creative Cardiff. The picture contains the people, figures and venues in an abstract shape representing the creative energy of art and community, showcasing the passionate spirit of collaboration and the unique creativity that thrives within the artist community.
What does Cardiff mean to you?
Cardiff has been my second home since I was a student. The actual discovery of Cardiff was when I learned about various communities whilst completing a week of job shadowing at Cardiff Council, volunteering at creative events, and collaborating with local charity organisations.
What fascinates me about Cardiff and the community most is the nature of resilience, and diversity, embracing cultures from near and far and inviting them to intertwine and share languages and traditions through creativity and collaboration. Cardiff is a city that welcomes the heart of any creative and invites you to wander its streets, parks, museums, and creative venues to discover the endless imagination and creativity within its embrace.
Inga's poster
