I am an artist and researcher working across sculpture, drawing, film and performance. My artwork explores experiences and memories of places, people and objects and questions how these experiences can be communicated. I have a particular interest in participatory and collaborative projects and arts in health and social care settings. I have a BA and MA in fine art and a practice-based PhD in participatory arts. I have 15 yearsʼ experience of delivering creative projects in a range of health and social care, education and community settings.
Exhibitions, Site-specific Commissions and Residencies
I regularly exhibit and complete residencies and site-specific commissions nationally and internationally. Recent exhibitions include My Blue China at Fondation d’entreprise Bernardaud, Limoges (2015) and The Musée Ariana (2016). In 2013 I was selected for a Breathe residency at the 501 Artspace, Chongqing, and I have previously completed residencies in spaces as diverse as a day centre for people with complex learning difficulties and a shed in someone's living room. I regularly participate in site-responsive events organised by Houserules, which have ranged from an empty council office block to a furniture warehouse.
Research
My main research interests are in arts and health with a focus on dementia, health and social care environments, the role of arts-based research and the intersection between participatory arts and art made for exhibition. I completed a practice-based PhD exploring arts and dementia at Royal Holloway, University of London in 2016. Since August 2016 I have been working as a Research and Evaluation Associate with Paintings in Hospitals, a charity that exhibits art in health and social care sites. See my research page for further details.
Workshops and Engagement
I have delivered art workshops at the John Soane's Museum, Nottingham University, The Centre for Contemporary Chinese Art, Royal Holloway, University of London, Age Exchange Theatre Trust's Bakehouse Theatre, Sichuan University and in care homes, schools and community settings. I am currently working for The Complete Works, an alternative education provision, finding creative ways to engage SEND students who are not in mainstream education with learning.