Magda's work shore makes interesting viewing

From the Western Telegraph, first published Thursday 11th Aug 2005.

To most people timber washed up on the shoreline is known as driftwood, but to artist Magda Piessens, it is the centrepiece for an artistic creation. Magda is one of the artists whose work is being shown at an exhibition at Scolton Manor Visitors Centre until August 26th.

Dutch-born Magda, from Trefin, says she gets her inspiration from what she sees and collects.

Magda models her creations on her life experiences travelling through the Australian Bush, where she worked closely with native Aborigines on their art, some of which can be seen at the exhibition.

"I am at one with nature and get so much from it," says Magda.

Such is her commitment to Mother Nature that a few years ago she bought two acres of land at St Justinian's, which she has named Wild Transgression and where she carries out land art.

Magda added: "Within Wild Transgression I started to explore the concept of a cultivated wilderness through the use of materials and artistic statements."

The works form a whole, but embodies many individual elements. Trees act to frame the work, while diverse wild and cultivated herbs and plants provide a palate of shape and colour within which the creative process is set free.

In addition to exhibiting and selling her artwork, Magda is also involved in organising and giving workshops, together with selling postcards depicting her creations on the land.

She has been helped in her endeavours by Prime Cymru, the Llandovery-based organisation that assists mature people to become self employed or to set up in business.

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