Addoliad Dŵr / Water Worship
2025
Commissioned by Natur am Byth Arts Engagement Programme supported by The National Lottery Grant and the Arts Council of Wales
Made in collaboration with Brian Duffy of Creative North Wales Glass Studios and Gideon Petersen of Creative Spiral
A stained glass window inspired from the shades of nitrate and phosphate tests taken by over 600 freshwater testing volunteers across Wales (Anglesey, Gwynedd, Severn, Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion) during November - December 2024.
The window is a tribute to one of Wales' most abundant resources - Water. It is the foundation of all life and was generally used in religious and spiritual rituals as a means of purification, healing and renewal. In Wales, water worship was part of pagan religion and was incorporated into Christianity. Pilgrimage routes follow sacred wells and springs with many associated with pagan gods and Christian Saints. It is a resource that can heal illness, grant wishes and curses, as well as baptize and bless. Increasingly, the 'magic' of this water, and the biodiversity that depends on it, are threatened by increasing levels of pollution.
The form is inspired by traditional colored church windows, water drops, maps and the form of the Welsh rivers from the air, the top three peaks representing the three northern estuaries flowing into Cardigan Bay - Dwyryd, Mawddach and Dyfi. Its aim is to raise awareness of the importance of water quality and of the inevitable link between land use and maritime water quality. The window is a monument towards a renewed reverence for water.
