Q and A with Natasha Borton and Peter Slania!

Q and A with Natasha Borton:

1. How would you describe your arts practice?

I'd say my art is just the quickest way for me to explore my community. Spoken Word poetry and performing has allowed me to explore Wenglish and create a balance between my experiences of Wales AND being Welsh through the English language by introducing North Walian slang and my natural language. 

2. What are you doing at RawFfest?

At RawFfest I'll be delivering two workshops and hosting the poetry slam in the evening. The first workshop will look at making personal experiences public and how we can explore the universal nature of individual experiences. The second workshop will look at how to record your own work and the benefits of this in such a technology driven society. 

3. What’s the No.1 piece of advice you can give to aspiring young performers/artists/writers?

Keep going, the wonder of being an artist (and sometimes the hindrance) is that you are always learning. Be receptive to the world, allow yourself to explore it  

4. What would you tell your younger self?

I'd tell myself to think less and do more.

5. What was the last song/track you listened too?

This morning I was listening to My Dear Country by Norah Jones, I love the way she juxtaposes the subject with a quirky piano line.

6. What book are you reading?

Currently I'm reading Oystercatcher by Susan Fletcher, all about expiring the self but using landscape. 

7. Tell me your favourite place in Wales?

This is difficult! I love Wales but my sanctuary is Erddig in Wrexham, the place is built for fairy tales!

8. Your favourite Welsh word?

My favourite Welsh word is “Cynghanedd”. The beauty of the Welsh language hangs on this word, It's completely indescribable in any other language. 

Q and A with Peter Slania:

1. How would you describe your arts practice?

My arts practice is, and always will be strongly associated with image making.

2.What are you doing at RawFfest?

Earning a living! (Alternatively, see ‘Painting 101’ workshop happening on Friday, learn to paint with everything but paint…)

3. Whats the No.1 piece of advice you can give to aspiring young performers/artists/writers?

Be ambitious, selfish and get yourself out there!

4. What would you tell your younger self?

Cut out dairy and processed foods…

5. What was the last song/track you listened too?

'I Knew You Were Trouble' by T Swift

6. What book are you reading?

'Beyond Good and Evil' by Nietzsche

7. Tell me your favourite place in Wales?

Anglesey

8. Your favourite Welsh word?

This is a struggle as I barely speak English!

To find out more about Natasha and Peter’s fabulous events and everything else taking place at RawFfest, please visit our programme.