Since 2018 I have been working in partnership with organisations across Aberdeen City and shire, delivering sessions to suit a broad range of age groups, needs and abilities. In recent years I have worked with Aberdeen Performing Arts, Creative Learning, The Barn, The Fife Arms, CLAN cancer support, Elev8 Arts and many more.
My work as a practitioner has led me to focus on developing and delivering creative workshops with an increased focus on well-being. I firmly believe that everyone is creative, and engaging with art based activities can provide a safe space for self-expression and a welcome break from whatever our day to day is. As a practitioner I believe it is essential to create a safe and supportive environment for individuals to explore their creativity, learn new skills and increase feelings of self-efficacy and self-esteem. I have experience in working with individuals in recovery from physical and mental health conditions, substance misuse and trauma, as well as working with adults, young people and children with additional needs.
Since March 2023 I have also worked with Grampian Hospitals Arts Trust assisting with their ‘Artroom’ project as a creative practitioner, and most recently partnered with Peacock Visual Arts to facilitate their community printmaking programme: People Print Power!
As a practitioner I offer a range of creative workshops, including but not limited to:
COLLAGE WORKSHOPS
I offer collage workshops to suit all ages and abilities. Collage is an accessible, playful medium, and can utilise materials and ephemera from our everyday environments. All materials can be provided and sessions can be themed for specific events, festivals or occasions, as stand-alone events, or block bookings. Previous workshops themes include: self-portraiture, motivational vision boards, protest poster making, and many more!
PASTE-UP WORKSHOPS
If you’d like to take your posters, or collage artworks, and upscale them, creating larger outdoor or indoor artworks and murals, paste-up can be a fun and accessible method! Bring your works to life and add colour to your environment, or create smaller take-home pieces on board- all workshop models can be adapted to suit the needs of your organisation or participants.
ZINE MAKING WORKSHOPS
A zine is a self-published, homemade booklet dedicated to a topic or interest of your choosing. Zines can be used to explore your inner world, to hold your thoughts and ideas, and to express yourself. They are also the perfect vehicle for showcasing your artwork, writings, and much more. An ideal format for the dissemination of information, to create community and connection, zines are a natural antidote to the immediacy of online living. Slow down, get creative, and experiences the benefits of creating a handmade object you can share with likeminded individuals.
Zine making is a playful and beginner friendly art form, but workshops can be tailored to suit experienced zinesters and novices alike. Get in touch if you’d like to try out zine making as a new activity for your class, group or as a compliment for an upcoming event.
THERAPEUTIC PHOTOGRAPHY
In 2021 I completed a course at Robert Gordon University in Therapeutic Photography, allowing me to combine my background in photographic media with my interest in utilising creative mediums in the pursuit of personal development.
I offer block courses in Therapeutic Photography (5-6 weeks, one session weekly), in which participants use photography to explore the world around them, and their inner world, working towards building a visual vocabulary to help gain a better understanding of our relationships to ourselves and others. Over the course of five two hour sessions, using a number of guided photographic tasks, we explore narratives and perceptions around ourselves, the relationships we have, and the physical and social landscape in which we live.
If you would like to discuss how therapeutic photography might benefit your employees, students, or community group, please get in touch to discuss. This course is generally suitable for young people over 16 and adults, but can be adapted for younger teen groups.
CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
Including the workshops outlined above I offer a range of mixed media expressive arts activities suitable for children, young people and families. These can be delivered in a classroom environment, or in association with festivals and events, and themed to your requirements.
For young people and teens, I enjoy working with themes around identity and social media, creating safe spaces for exploration where participants experience a sense of agency and the means to develop healthy self-expression. Get in touch to discuss how you can use creativity to enhance young lives and bring variety to the learning environment.
If you would like to work with me please get in touch: [email protected]
I offer preferential rates for third sector organisations- just ask for more details.