Iwan Bala: Life and Art Early Life and Education Born Richard Iwan Ellis Roberts in May 1956 in Sarnau, Merionethshire, Wales, Iwan Bala is a prominent Welsh artist deeply rooted in the cultural landscape of his homeland. He was raised in Gwyddelwern, near Corwen, Denbighshire, and attended Ysgol y Berwyn comprehensive school in Bala. His academic journey began with studies in Geography and Politics at the University of Aberystwyth (1974), followed by a dedicated pursuit of Fine Art at Cardiff College of Art from 1975 to 1977. He further honed his skills, earning an MA in Fine Art from the U…