Everyday | Mural for the Welsh Gender Service
A mural printed on canvas for display in the waiting area of the Welsh Gender Service. Commissioned by Arts for Health and Wellbeing, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, 2019.
"Everyday by GUNK Illustration
As an openly trans illustrator, creating a piece for the long-anticipated Welsh Gender Service has been a very important and exciting opportunity. My aim, knowing this mural would be placed in the waiting area, was to encapsulate the beautiful diversity that exists amongst transgender, non binary and intersex people in Wales.
The scene depicts glimpses of people in a surreal landscape. The figures in the image are drawn in continuous line. I made the decision to represent people in this way to imply the fluidity of gender and our bodies, and to represent the ongoing process of transition. The landscape is built out of urban and natural spaces, all inspired by different areas in Wales to create typical scenes of everyday life. Overall I wanted to create a mural which was brightly coloured and had a positive outlook, showing that trans people can lead regular lives and have fulfilling futures. This is something I am aware can feel far away or impossible whilst being on waiting lists and during the early stages of transition. Despite this, I felt it was vital not to ignore some of the darker common experiences trans people face in this society, such as homelessness, especially amongst young people. I also chose to depict a scene of protest as it has been significant in fighting against injustice throughout Welsh history and continues to be a large part of everyday life for trans people in Wales. Finally, in relation to the composition, the bench in the top left hand corner is dedicated to my friend Peter, who sadly died in 2019. He was the first person to tell me about the Welsh Gender Service when it was initially announced.
It felt important to me that this work could contribute to anyone coming into the service feeling represented, welcomed, and most significantly, that the service is on their side. This is why I not only incorporated colours from various pride flags and from the Welsh Gender Service logo but I also used the NHS shade of blue throughout the image, and within each of the characters. This is to represent the NHS as a support system for those who are questioning, seeking to medically transition or receive emotional support."
"Everyday by GUNK Illustration
As an openly trans illustrator, creating a piece for the long-anticipated Welsh Gender Service has been a very important and exciting opportunity. My aim, knowing this mural would be placed in the waiting area, was to encapsulate the beautiful diversity that exists amongst transgender, non binary and intersex people in Wales.
The scene depicts glimpses of people in a surreal landscape. The figures in the image are drawn in continuous line. I made the decision to represent people in this way to imply the fluidity of gender and our bodies, and to represent the ongoing process of transition. The landscape is built out of urban and natural spaces, all inspired by different areas in Wales to create typical scenes of everyday life. Overall I wanted to create a mural which was brightly coloured and had a positive outlook, showing that trans people can lead regular lives and have fulfilling futures. This is something I am aware can feel far away or impossible whilst being on waiting lists and during the early stages of transition. Despite this, I felt it was vital not to ignore some of the darker common experiences trans people face in this society, such as homelessness, especially amongst young people. I also chose to depict a scene of protest as it has been significant in fighting against injustice throughout Welsh history and continues to be a large part of everyday life for trans people in Wales. Finally, in relation to the composition, the bench in the top left hand corner is dedicated to my friend Peter, who sadly died in 2019. He was the first person to tell me about the Welsh Gender Service when it was initially announced.
It felt important to me that this work could contribute to anyone coming into the service feeling represented, welcomed, and most significantly, that the service is on their side. This is why I not only incorporated colours from various pride flags and from the Welsh Gender Service logo but I also used the NHS shade of blue throughout the image, and within each of the characters. This is to represent the NHS as a support system for those who are questioning, seeking to medically transition or receive emotional support."
