Background: Previous Art Support
Conisbrough Social Education Centre
2007 - 2011
Before graduating as an art therapist I worked within a large social education centre for adults with learning disabilities (just under 100 service users). I have always been conscious of the therapeutic qualities of making art, however I wanted to share, support and engage with clients and staff my understanding. The centre catered for a wealth of abilities (both physical and cognitive) who believed art work held value through representation. However, I wanted to show the vast additional ways art could be used, and structured a programme around self-expression that didn't necessarily focus upon outward representation.
"Art as Therapy"
A small selection of work produced by adults with learning disabilities at Conisbrough SEC. This was before qualifying as an art psychotherapist.
I encouraged their individual working method, developing processes so all could be included, irrelevant of believed skill or ability. Paint was dripped, dabbed, scratched, blown and masked when application was found difficult.
Discussion was encouraged where relevant, producing much insight from voices that had prior opportunity for an audience.
Work emphasised the notion of production and involvement of art making as opposed a finalised "beautiful' work of art. The artist directed their image.
Biography
My Background:
From a young age I felt a natural affinity for art materials and the private sanctuary it permitted. These images became a way of processing and understanding my surroundings by constructing fanciful, alternative depictions of what I saw and felt.
This passion continued throughout school and later university where I studied fine art and illustration at degree level in Bradford. My combined working method as a practising artist and employment informed a desire to explore the healing possibility involved in making art. Due this discovery I later returned to university and completed an MA in art psychotherapy. Achieving high grades across all course work (2:1or firsts throughout).
I feel it’s important to maintain a personal connection in making art, and have continued throughout my youth and study. Regularly exhibiting nationally, with now over twenty years experience as a fine artist and commissioned illustrator.
Early in my career I taught and facilitated a successful art group for a range of learning and physical disabilities that encouraged a person centered approach, that celebrated the inclusion of all (ConSEC). This equally reignited my belief in the purpose and healing potential of viewing and making art, irrelevant of believed ability. Finalising my desire of an art therapy career.
Since qualifying in 2013 I have provided sessions for group and individual referrals through RDaSH (substance misuse rehabilitation and a locked unit for males with psychosis), Doncaster Council (Community Adult Autism Team and Community Adult Learning Disability Team), registered charity Open Minds, education; XP Secondary School and Harrison College.
Presently I work with looked after children (LAC) though Chroma (national creative therapies agency run by art therapists. Ofsted awarded: Outstanding) and Doncaster Special Guardianship Team. Providing trauma informed sessions within schools across Doncaster.