Art workshops

My background is mainly in performance arts, with a specialism in fire and LED. I performed all over the UK, including many of the historic venues in my native North East England. I studied Art and Design at college but hadn't picked up a pen in a long time, until a random photoshoot with my friend inspired me to start drawing again. Duri

My background is mainly in performance arts, with a specialism in fire and LED. I performed all over the UK, including many of the historic venues in my native North East England. I studied Art and Design at college but hadn't picked up a pen in a long time, until a random photoshoot with my friend inspired me to start drawing again. During Covid-19 I really accelerated my visual arts practice as a way to manage my wellbeing and stay creative while I couldn't perform.  

My focus at the moment is facilitating visual arts, and offer workshops and courses which are designed to champion creativity, fun, and focus less on traditional art techniques. Recent clients include Poet in the City, Newcastle, and New College Durham.  

My renaissance with visual art focused on Sharpies and I have moments with ProMarkers and collage. Currently I mainly work in acrylics, especially Posca pens. I love working on skate decks, canvas, and reusing scraps of cardboard. 

In 2022 I completed a Psychology MSc and became familiar with a growing body of research which evidences the 

My renaissance with visual art focused on Sharpies and I have moments with ProMarkers and collage. Currently I mainly work in acrylics, especially Posca pens. I love working on skate decks, canvas, and reusing scraps of cardboard. 

In 2022 I completed a Psychology MSc and became familiar with a growing body of research which evidences the benefits of arts participation for mental health and wellbeing. This provided the framework for my intentions in my workshops, which are: 

- Inclusivity for all levels of art ability 

- Fair pricing, with funded or pay as you feel places available as often as possible 

- Completing a piece within the workshop, to fit into busy schedules 

- Fostering supportive spaces and encouraging radical expression

- Targeting groups who are often missed in arts provision, including those outside large cities, and middle aged people.

In 2023 I completed a PGCE (Post 16 Education and Training) with a specialism in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

I hardly know where to start talking about my inspirations, but in no particular order: 

I'm a lifelong board sports enthusiast and draw a lot of inspiration from the classic surf and skate brands and artists of the 80s and 90s. Jim Phillips, Drew Brophy, Opie Ortiz to name just a couple. 

I love street art and always seek out graffiti spot

I hardly know where to start talking about my inspirations, but in no particular order: 

I'm a lifelong board sports enthusiast and draw a lot of inspiration from the classic surf and skate brands and artists of the 80s and 90s. Jim Phillips, Drew Brophy, Opie Ortiz to name just a couple. 

I love street art and always seek out graffiti spots when I travel. Jean-Michel Basqiat and Elle are two of my favourite big names from different eras, but I'm especially keen to see lesser-known local artists' work in response to their own time and place.  Didier "Jaba" Mathieu said in his TED Talk that a city without graffiti has no soul, and I'm inclined to agree. 

Social Media is an amazing tool to view work and connect with artists we wouldn't otherwise meet. There are far too many to list but if you follow me on Instagram I regularly share stories from some of my favourite artists.