A Ceredigion artist is thrilled to have illustrated her first book which, remarkably, has been written by a 10-year-old girl.
Ffion Gwyn, who is from Penrhyncoch, added illustrations to Llyfr Adar Mawr y Plant (The Big Book of Birds for Children) by Onwy Gower, a youngster based in Cardiff.
The artist’s work is inspired by nature, so she was the perfect fit for the youngster’s first book.
“I was commissioned by the publisher, Y Lolfa, to produce 50 illustrations,” Ffion said.
“They sent me a list of what they wanted. Throughout the process I didn’t meet Onwy, who has written the book but I did meet her at the launch. She’s only 10! Amazing!”
Ffion’s work was spotted by Y Lolfa on Countryfile.
“I appeared on the show earlier this year. Someone from Y Lolfa saw me on it, and my work, and it went from there,” said Ffion.
Originally from Ceredigion, Ffion moved to Criccieth 10 years ago.
“I moved here with my job,” Ffion explained.
“I lived in Penrhyncoch until I was five and then moved to Taliesin until leaving home.
“I studied ceramics at Cardiff University, finishing in 1999 with first class honours.
“I moved back to Aberystwyth and worked at my old secondary school, Penweddig, as an art and design and textiles teacher, and also at Aberystwyth Arts Centre as a ceramics tutor for children’s workshops.
“My father was the headteacher at Bow Street’s Rhydypennau school then, and my mother the manager at Ceredigion Training.
“I moved to Dolgellau in 2004 and married. My first son was born in 2005. I moved from there to Criccieth in 2009.”
Ffion is an art teacher at Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor, working at both the Dolgellau and Pwllheli campuses.
“I teach A-level art and the Welsh Baccalaureate and I produce my illustrations in my own time.”
And Ffion is thrilled that her work has been included in Llyfr Adar Mawr y Plant.
“I never thought I’d be asked to illustrate a book. It’s lovely.
“I hope I will be able to illustrate more.”
The 42-year-old mother of two is thrilled with the final product as it combines two of her passions – nature and the Welsh language.
See this week’s south papers for the full feature, available in shops and as a digital edition now