I’ve been doing this work for around 10 years now.
Over that time, I’ve worked with lots of different people — families with children under 5, families with older children and teenagers, young people, young adults, adults, and also people in hospital settings.
The way I work is quite simple, really. It’s learner-led, and influenced by Forest School practice. I’m interested in giving things time, and in how confidence builds slowly — often through small, doable steps rather than big outcomes.
I’ve led and put together sessions in different ways over the years. Sometimes they’re based around an art process, sometimes they begin with an object, or sit within an event or a wider project. I’ve worked on my own, and I’ve also worked alongside others — sometimes leading, sometimes supporting — including as part of a team at Nottingham Contemporary.
Sessions have happened at all times of day. Mornings, afternoons, evenings. And occasionally something a bit different — like an overnight “night at” event in a cultural space.
Alongside the in-person work, I also spend time holding space online.
During lockdown, I started a weekly online session for a group of adults who used to meet monthly. It felt important to open up a regular space at a time when some people were going days without speaking to anyone.
At the moment, I run a weekly online session during term time. It’s a space for adults who want or need a bit of structure to make time for their own creative work. The group spans three time zones, the online space allowing us to be present with each other and what we bring to do.
