The life of one of Wales’ most versatile artists has been recorded in a new book, published by Y Lolfa.

Ogwyn Davies spent 60 years of his life living in the Tregaon area. He was a unique talent, an artist who created splendid vistas at notable locations, such as Soar y Mynydd.

He was also a patriot, who composed works based on the National Anthem, and the number 6,721, the majority of votes cast for devolution in Wales in 1997.

He was also an experimental artists who worked in different mediums and pottery later in his career.

However, it is only now that a new hardback bilingual volume has been written by art historian Ceri Thomas and published by Y Lolfa that his contribution is truly being appreciated.

Ceri said: “It has been a pleasure and a privilege to work on the project to produce this beautiful, revelatory book on the art and life of the pioneering, passionate and patriotic Ogwyn Davies.

“The development of his art over 60 years is impressive because its early emphasis on the visual is progressively enriched by the addition of the verbal and the tactile.

“And, as his artistic complexity and stature grew, they serendipitously peaked with the achievement of devolution for a new and more confident Wales.”

Getting the book ready for the National Eisteddfod was a dream for Ogwyn’s children, Nia Caron a Huw Davies.

Nia said: “It’s taken a number of years to get things together for the book and to produce this book that we are so proud of, and are thankful to Ceri Thomas for summarising the contribution in such an attractive volume.”

Originally from Trebanos, Swansea Valley, Ogwyn Davies studied at Swansea Art College before moving to Tregaron where he made his home for 60 years.

Ceri Thomas is a freelance artist, art historian, art history lecturer and curates galleries in Swansea. He has published a number of works and curated exhibitions on many modern Welsh artists, from Joan Baker to Ernest Zobole.

Bywyd a Gwaith Ogwyn Davies: A Life in Art was launched at the Rhiannon Centre on the square in Tregaron Monday, 1 August.

Nia Caron discussed Ogwyn’s work in Y Lle Celf at the Eisteddfod at on Wednesday, 3 August.