I have been working as an artist in the area of mental health over the last seven years. I am currently the Visual Arts Lead for Hoot Creative Arts , an arts and mental health organisation in Huddersfield. We deliver a complex programme of workshops and projects across different artforms for people working towards improving their mental … Read more
I was the resident artist at Swallownest Court in Rotherham, a residential secure unit for adults with acute and complex mental health needs. I worked with the patients one day a week for 6 months at this wonderful place, mostly through small group workshops. The ARTiculate Project was funded by Rotherham , Doncaster and Sheffield NHS Trust. … Read more
This is one of many workshops I’ve run with ice – it holds surprise, intrigue, lots of science, maths and literacy potential and is fun.
Creatively develops the curriculum topic “materials” – year 5 – half day.
Materials Wach table is covered with drawing paper and holds a pile of various broken and working toys, screwdrivers, sellotape, rubber bands, cocktail sticks and string.Hot melt glue gun, pencils and paper. The class were asked to think about the toys they play with, what they do, how they work, and how they could be … Read more
I have worked with Ravenscliffe High School and Sports College, Halifax on The Watershed Project, and on a Creative Partnerships (CAPE) Project, which involved many artforms over two days. This work culminated in a collaborative, whole school, cross-artform performance.
This was very powerful work around issues of identity, self esteem, communication, control. They projected images, textures, objects and text onto each other, altered their appearance and performed.
I have worked on many parks with landscape designers/ architects, running creative consultation with local park users, followed by workshops creating artwork which is permanently installed. This project in Skelton’s Lane park won the Local Government New Street Design Awards, 2009 (children’s play category)
An outdoor classroom created with the reception class and funded by Creative Partnerships. We developed ideas together, I constructed most of the structure with the children and the class teacher – developing many skills.
Example of a workshop for the extended schools programme in Calderdale, modroc sculpture, family drop-in workshop, with 200 people over 3 hour session. Making a variety of modroc sculpture.
This day long workshop was held with 8 adults, with no specific physical requirements . Body drawing workshops are tailored to fit the needs & number of participants and the size and physical detail of the venue. Any age, ability and level of fitness. Experimental, fun and thought provoking in a physical way.
I like to use strange and forgotten or overlooked spaces to show work in. They often translate in something very positive, powerful and meaningful.
I believe dens are so successful and universal because they tap into our primal instinct to create shelter and sanctuary. These are a few images of the dens some groups have made with me.
Casting has a universal appeal. These are a few examples of a mix of simple casting methods I have taught and used in my own work, using clay, sand, resin, concrete, ice, plaster of paris, jelly, lard and seeds.
Here is an example of taking a group into the forest to draw with natural materials. The aim here was to introduce the children to the natural environment, improve self-confidence, encourage collaborative work and experimentation and have fun outdoors.
For five years I worked for a small organisation called TAS – a therapeutic arts organistion based in Waltham Forest, East London. We worked with referred, at risk and excluded children in small groups.