Artworks donated by Ceri Leigh

The Arts for Health and Wellbeing Team and Cardiff & Vale Health Charity are delighted to receive a kind donation of framed photographs from Ceri Leigh.

Ceri studied Wildlife Illustration, including photography, at Carmarthenshire College of Art and Countryside Management in Snowdonia and went on to work as Exhibitions Design & Conservation Manager at the Natural History Museum in London for many years.

An accident on her way home one day resulted in severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Now retired, while walking and observing wildlife, Ceri takes photographs of the landscapes and natural history near her home. Keeping the process simple and with an intimate style, Ceri aims for the effect of a painting, to give the viewer a sense of the beautiful flora and wildlife in the Brecon Beacons.

Ceri has also published a book: ‘Life on the Floodplain – A Garden Wildlife Diary 2020’ which follows the wildlife observed in her garden nearby the Usk floodplain during the pandemic in 2020 and tells the bigger story of trauma, mental health and the power of nature to help heal the mind.

The donated photographs showing flora, fauna and local Welsh landscapes, have been installed at the Gynaecology/Oncology Clinic at University Hospital Wales. The pieces have completely transformed the previously clinical and uninviting space, making it a more peaceful and welcoming environment for staff and patients.

Tracey Brown, who arranged the installation with the department, said: “The surgeons and nurses are over the moon with them, and what a difference they make. They are all perfect!”

“On behalf of the Gynae/oncology team at UHW huge thanks to the Arts for Health and Wellbeing Team and to Ceri. We are all so grateful.”

To find out more about Ceri’s artwork, including her literary work, please visit her website: www.NatureArt.uk

If you’re interested in donating an artwork, or would like to inquire about brightening up your ward/department, please contact ArtsinHealth.cav@wales.nhs.uk

Gwaith celf wedi’i roi gan Ceri Leigh

Mae Tîm y Celfyddydau ar gyfer Iechyd a Lles ac Elusen Iechyd Caerdydd a’r Fro yn falch iawn o dderbyn rhodd garedig o luniau gan Ceri Leigh.

Astudiodd Ceri y cwrs Darlunio Bywyd Gwyllt, gan gynnwys ffotograffiaeth, yng Ngholeg Celf Caerfyrddin a’r cwrs Rheoli Cefn Gwlad yn Eryri, ac aeth ymlaen i weithio fel Rheolwr Dylunio Arddangosfeydd a Chadwraeth yn yr Amgueddfa Hanes Naturiol yn Llundain am flynyddoedd lawer.

Cafodd ddamwain ar ei ffordd adref un diwrnod a arweiniodd at anhwylder straen ôl-drawmatig (PTSD) difrifol. Bellach wedi ymddeol, wrth gerdded ac edrych ar fywyd gwyllt, mae Ceri yn tynnu lluniau o’r tirweddau a’r hanes naturiol ger ei chartref. Gan gadw’r broses yn syml a gydag arddull bersonol, mae Ceri yn anelu at greu effaith paentiad, i roi ymdeimlad i’r gwyliwr o’r fflora a’r bywyd gwyllt hardd ym Mannau Brycheiniog.

Mae Ceri hefyd wedi cyhoeddi llyfr: ‘Life on the Floodplain – A Garden Wildlife Diary 2020’ sy’n dilyn y bywyd gwyllt a welodd yn ei gardd gerllaw gorlifdir afon Wysg yn ystod y pandemig yn 2020 ac sy’n adrodd stori ehangach am drawma, iechyd meddwl a phŵer natur i helpu i wella’r meddwl.