Supporting statement
My design for the UNISON Cymru poster celebrates unity, resilience, and Welsh identity through a vibrant, hand-drawn composition. The red dragon rises proudly from the rolling green valleys, symbolising strength and solidarity, while the daffodil and leek represent Welsh heritage and renewal. The mining wheel and terraced houses acknowledge the working-class roots and collective spirit that built our communities. The sunrise over the hills reflects optimism and progress, the promise that together, we rise.
The bold lines and stained-glass-inspired colours reflect the warmth and strength of our people, while the banner reading “Together We Rise” captures the spirit of UNISON Cymru’s collective power and hope for the future. The design is entirely hand-drawn in acrylic and marker, echoing the brief’s call for a human touch and authenticity.
This piece is both personal and symbolic , a tribute to the everyday workers of Wales, the communities that shaped us, and the continued light that UNISON brings through solidarity and support. ( 159 words).
Highlights of symbolism in the piece:
Red Dragon – Strength, protection and pride in Welsh identity.
Rainbow Palette – Diversity, equality and unity across people and workplaces.
Daffodil and Leek – Renewal, hope and Welsh heritage.
Mining Wheel and Terraced Houses – Tribute to the working-class roots of Wales and the solidarity of its people.
Sunrise Over Valleys – Optimism, progress and collective growth.
Folk-Art Style – Represents community storytelling, togetherness and creativity born from everyday life.
Banner “Together We Rise” – Unity and collective empowerment; the belief that progress happens through shared effort.
UNISON Cymru Shield – Strength and belonging within the union, connecting tradition with modern identity.
A biographical statement outlining how my background and values align with UNISON Cymru.
I am a Senior Mental Health Worker, party time masters student and artist from Cwmfelinfach, deeply rooted in Welsh community life and passionate about creativity as a way to connect people. As a single parent raising three boys while studying and working within the council, I experienced first-hand the difference UNISON makes to families. Their school uniform grants and a free holiday at Croyde Bay gave us support and memories that I’ll always treasure. UNISON’s help during those years taught me that true strength lies in solidarity and compassion. Those values continue to guide me in my professional life and in my art. My sons and I have all volunteered with vulnerable and socially isolated people in our community, and that shared commitment to helping others has shaped who we are.
My artwork focuses on resilience, belonging and pride, blending Welsh folk-art influences with bold, symbolic colour. Through these designs, I wanted to celebrate the kindness, unity , diversity and to honour the community spirit that has always been at the heart of Wales.
My work is rooted in community, belonging and shared identity. Using bold lines, vibrant colours and symbolic detail, I aim to celebrate the beauty of everyday life , from the quiet strength of Welsh heritage to the warmth of human connection across cultures.
Each piece I create draws from a folk-art style that feels both personal and collective; it’s storytelling through colour. My inspiration often comes from the people and places that surround me , the valleys, the work of ordinary people, and the emotional landscapes that define us.
As a mother, mental health professional and lifelong advocate for inclusion, I use art as a space to express unity, resilience and hope. My pieces are hand-drawn with marker and paint, always celebrating imperfection as part of their humanity.
Additional comment:
My design was created to celebrate Welsh identity, unity, and solidarity , values that I feel deeply connected to through my work in mental health, my community, and my own experience of UNISON’s support over the years.
If there are any formatting or file adjustments needed, I’ll be happy to provide them.
Thank you very much for this opportunity , it’s been a wonderful experience to create something that represents both our culture and the people who make Wales strong.