I’m Cerys, an Illustrator living in Llandeilo with my two children, a whippet, a terrier, two aloof cats and 6 Bantam chickens. I was born in Merthyr Tydfil, brought up in Swansea, attended Gorseinon College and then Leeds University. When I’m not drawing animals, I can be found hiking in the hills, scaling mountains, buried in a book or assuming a yoga position in the living room, much to the amusement of the menagerie. The attention seeking cats in particular think ‘downward dog’ is an opportunity to waft their bushy tail around my face. I also enjoy making concoctions in the kitchen, though I tend to inflict regular volumes of said culinary discovery on the family when I have mastered a dish. A recent trip to Budapest meant Smoked Paprika, the elixir of any decent Goulash, went in EVERYTHING for a short period thereafter.
I have a degree in English Literature, I’m a qualified Fitness Instructor but have spent the last couple of years concentrating on building a portfolio in something that I love-illustrating- in all its forms. I have qualifications in both Children’s Literature and Fine Art, and I enjoy working in a mixture of mediums from Acrylic and Water Colour paint to the humble pencil. Is there anything more comforting than a clean sheet of paper and a freshly sharpened, familiar HB pencil? The cats think not, as they regularly park their bottoms on said paper and bat the pencil around for good measure.
In 2016 I worked with the Guardian Journalist, Ellie Levenson, to publish a Children’s book, ‘A Lovely Day for a Walk,’ inspired by my love of the outdoors and drawing animals. I loved the whole collaborative process of bringing Ellie’s words to life and drawing a variety of different animals.
My illustrations have also been used in colouring books, on greetings cards and on textiles.
I have visited Primary schools to encourage children to explore paint and other mediums, most recently Llandeilo Primary School where we looked at water colour and pencil techniques whilst studying bridges and landmarks in the local area. It is a real pleasure to watch children become absorbed in the alchemy of paint and try mediums they are unfamiliar with. I feel a great deal more of this in schools would be beneficial to harness creativity and instilling a greater sense of well-being, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic.
I have illustrated for Welsh Country Magazine and welcome all commissions relating to the countryside and animals. I am happiest when I am drawing, particularly wildlife , and hope that my illustrations bring as much joy to others as they do for me when I’m creating them.
