ON-LOAN stopper Owain Fon Williams has taken advantage of the current lockdown to brush up on his other passion – and raise cash for Athletic.

The Welsh international, 33, has been keeping himself busy with football suspended by picking up his paints and oils to produce a striking piece of artwork depicting fans heading to East End in the 1960s.

Fon Williams, who signed for Stevie Crawford’s men from Hamilton Academical until the end of the season, has been a keen artist since his school days but only in recent years produced work to sell.

Speaking to Press Sport this week, he revealed that after being shown the launch of the ‘Support the Pars’ initiative, he decided quickly to utilise his other talents to help a club that, even for a short period of time, he has loved being a part of.

“Initially, I had heard that Dunfermline were trying to raise money, and my partner showed me something on Facebook,” Fon Williams explained.

“When she showed it to me, I had a canvas in front of me, and I was halfway through a painting. I put that down and got another canvas.

“Realistically, I thought that the only way I could help was by painting, so I rang Craig (Brown, photographer) at the club. I asked what era do the fans like to talk about, and he said the late sixties, so I asked if he could send a couple of pictures of that.

“I wanted to try and capture something every fan in Dunfermline can relate to. The scene I could relate to was the brick wall (at the corner between the Norrie McCathie and Main stands), and I knew then that the people of Dunfermline, and Fife, who have been to East End Park could relate to that.

“When I paint, there has to be a meaning to everything, and it has taken a lot of time. Day and night, for hours on end, it’s taken 10 days, and I’ve used layers and layers of oils.

“It’s something I’m very passionate about and really enjoy. Most players have some sort of hobby after football because football is very demanding; there’s targets you have to hit day to day.

“It’s not like you just pull on a pair of boots, or put gloves on, and go out there and play. There’s a lot of hours that go into it.

“It’s nice to come home and switch off, and I find it therapeutic.”

Fon Williams, who is also enjoying spending more time with his 10-month-old daughter, continued: “I’m a big believer that people should stay together and help.

“Not so long ago, I saw Bury go out of football, and I played there on loan. Because I played for a team that went under, I didn’t want to see that again.

“At the end of the day, it’s not about me or my painting – it’s about a football club, having a football club in Dunfermline, and keeping it going.

“The important thing is that everyone continues to be paid, be it a player, someone who works on match days, or someone who has been working there for donkey’s years.

“I’m just grateful to be part of it. Fair play to the fans; it’s a fantastic fanbase that is able to raise so much money in such a short space of time.

“The guys at Dunfermline made me feel very welcome. Dressing rooms are very tight places, and for me to be accepted, I am very grateful.”

Fon Williams’ painting is up for grabs through a silent auction, which ends at 9pm on Saturday.

Bids must be made to Kenny McLachlan at kenny.mclachlan7@googlemail.com, who will let you know if you’re the highest bidder.

 

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