Take my hand: art as a form of prayer
The ‘betysai’ or Houses of Prayer in the Ministry Area of Bro Padrig on the North coast of Ynys Môn are situated in remote locations sometimes felt as ‘thin places’. They invite a sense of ‘otherness’ that might be felt in the fading light or the silence within or the sound of the wind or the sea, perhaps as their founders did too. Sacred landscapes and liminal spaces are sometimes experienced as thresholds or portals to somewhere beyond. I have deliberated on them creatively through latent images, sublimation prints, small studies in oil and a collection of prayer poems rising from slow walking, deep listening and quiet reflection in this gentle pause in the first stage of my long-term project and a small exhibition of initial findings.
Sometimes someone leads us to such places; sometimes we take their hand and show them the way.
Take my hand opens on Friday 9 June 2023 at 6.00 pm at Caffi Mechell in Llanfechell on the island of Anglesey LL68 0RA and continues until 28 August 2023
My grateful thanks to Utopias Bach, Dr Sarah Pogoda, Rev Naomi Starkey, Rev Hilary Howarth and all those whose gentle conversations and kind invitations have made this first sharing possible.
Sometimes someone leads us to such places; sometimes we take their hand and show them the way.
Take my hand opens on Friday 9 June 2023 at 6.00 pm at Caffi Mechell in Llanfechell on the island of Anglesey LL68 0RA and continues until 28 August 2023
My grateful thanks to Utopias Bach, Dr Sarah Pogoda, Rev Naomi Starkey, Rev Hilary Howarth and all those whose gentle conversations and kind invitations have made this first sharing possible.
Take my Hand
No map required, no figure seen
No chosen route but ease of find
Deep well to cast me down
Until I rise, encounter.
Extract from Take my Hand: a labyrinth of Prayer Poems
Steph Shipley 2023
No map required, no figure seen
No chosen route but ease of find
Deep well to cast me down
Until I rise, encounter.
Extract from Take my Hand: a labyrinth of Prayer Poems
Steph Shipley 2023
Caffi Siop Mechell is a vibrant community hub in the centre of the village of Llanfechell not far from Cemaes on the north coast of Anglesey. Follow directions to Llanfechell and sat nav to LL68 0RA. There is limited parking on nearby roads and ramp access at the front entrance. Take my hand opens on Friday 9 June 2023 at 6pm and continues until 28 August 2023 open from 10am-3pm Wednesday to Saturday where you will receive a warm welcome whenever you visit.