Maisie Jones’ Artist Statement

Welsh folklore has frequently been interpreted as reflecting a strong orientation toward the past and cultural memory (Wood, 1997), often characterised by scholars as conveying a sense of melancholy or loss, a sentiment particularly evident in narratives centred on women. Figures like Arianrhod, Blodeuwedd, Rhiannon, Branwen, and the Lady of the Lake are often remembered for their tragic stories. They are seen as shamed mothers, betrayed wives, or victims of patriarchal conflict. Femme Folklore, presented as a curated digital experience, seeks to dismantle these portrayals. By reimagining these characters through a lens of soft, ethereal beauty and intentional femininity, we can reclaim their narratives from the margins of Welsh mythology.

The central theme of this body of work is the "re-enchantment" of the female protagonist. Traditionally, Blodeuwedd is remembered for her "unfaithfulness" and subsequent transformation into an owl, a punishment that strips her of her voice and beauty. In this imagery, however, she is celebrated through intricate floral motifs, reflecting her origin not as a victim of a curse, but as a sovereign being of nature. Similarly, Rhiannon, falsely accused of infanticide and forced to act as a beast of burden, is depicted here with a serene, glowing dignity that emphasises her resilience over her suffering.

The aesthetic direction of the project is a departure from the dark, rugged textures usually associated with Celtic revivalism. Utilising a warm, chromatic palette and soft-focus lighting, creates a digital sanctuary for these women. Mulvey (1975) argues that classical cinema positions women as passive objects of the male gaze. Later feminist theory develops the concept of a “female gaze,” which instead centres women as subjects with agency and interiority.. By using modern fashion photography techniques—such as the juxtaposition of delicate fabrics with the strength of chainmail and steel, we can illustrate that femininity and power are not mutually exclusive.

Presented as an online exhibition, this website design allows for an exploration of these myths; the minimalist design keeping audience's focus on the characters' visual transformation. As viewers navigate this work, they are invited to form a new interpretation of Welsh identity, one that values healing and beauty over historical trauma.

Ultimately, Femme Folklore serves as an act of cultural reparation. It suggests that while we cannot change the "sad stories" of our past, we have the power to change how we see the women who lived through them.