Meinir lives and works in Llandysul. Since becoming a full-time painter in 2020, her unique voice has attracted success and attention. The national Library in Aberystwyth has examples of her work in their collection, and her painting Dwylo Gleision, which is part of this show, won the Ivor Davies prize at the National Eisteddfod this year.
Meinir draws inspiration from many places: Stories from Welsh folklore, and the rich seams of our political and social history inform her work. She also finds inspiration and context in Welsh literature and music.
These references are always presented with a modern outward looking sensibility.
She examines the various strands and forces that combine to shape a person's identity. The compromises we make in order to become free and grown up. There is a tension here between the need to have somewhere familiar that is Home, while also being able to explore the New, or to escape. She examines ideas of personal and political independence. There is a delicate balance between preservation and development. How to allow the past to inform the present, but not to limit our future…
The work is also proudly romantic, full of passion and longing. Frank looks and bold colours convey sensuality and feeling. Taking her cue from a line of poetry, from a song or a hymn, Meinir acknowledges the power that our relationships and emotions have over us. How they drive us, and how central they are to our humanity.