A multi-disciplinary artist from Deiniolen has won a prestigious scholarship on the opening day of the National Eisteddfod in Pembrokeshire.

Cushia Rose Luxton, winner of the New Artist Scholarship, works across sculpture, film and photography - she is currently studying at Goldsmith's College at the University of London

The 21 year-old's winning work is a selection of short films which will go on show at Y Lle Gelf, the Eisteddfod's art exhibition, on Saturday.

Cushia says she hopes to use the £1500 prize to attend a course at a recognised art school or college or to take part in masterclasses to further develop her career.

"I draw a lot of inspiration from Elidir Fawr, the mountain that backs my home, and the old slate quarries that reveal the mysticism of everyday life while also exploring my own personal history", she said.

"They were filmed on Double Super 8 film which is quite unusual these days and it is quite difficult to find somewhere to develop them so I have learned to develop them myself."

"I have set up a dark room and made a telecine myself. I would like to establish a small community of film makers in Gwynedd in the future".

Cushia says her work is deeply connected to her family and her home has deepened during her degree course in Fine Art in London.

"When I was at Ysgol Dyffryn Ogwen in Bethesda I wanted to study mathematics but I took a step back and took an art foundation course at Coleg Menai and realised I enjoyed sculpture and that led to the course in London."

Cushla is a regular visitor to Lle Celf at the National Eisteddfod, and two years ago, she led guided tours of the exhibition in Pontypridd.

"But this is the first time I have competed and I am very pleased that my efforts have been recognised," she said.

The New Artist Scholarship competition is open to those who have been studying or working as an artist for less than five years.

Judges Christine Kinsey and Llio James said they were impressed by the work submitted for the £1500 prize, funded this year by the Society of Old Agricultural and Maritime Engineers Cardigan and District.

Christine said: "The work being presented at Y Lle Celf showcases a wide variety of media and techniques which are essential to an exploration of the voices and visual language of Wales."

"Experiencing the arts in relation to appropriation of place and culture reflects contemporary contemporary life and addresses the concerns relating to politics, conflict, identity and the environment as well as how artists look at the world today and think about it."

"The artists in this exhibition have individual voices, yet together, they show us how important it is that we can see a representation of a bigger picture with specific ideas and feelings in relation to Welsh culture."

Llio added: "It was encouraging to see so many works displaying not only technical skill and exceptional craftsmanship but also originality, imagination and a deep understanding of the properties of materials."

"I feel that the final selection is a vibrant collection, full of color and energy that reflects stories and themes from our communities today."

The scholarship will be presented during a ceremony in the Pavilion at Llantwd on Saturday evening.