“What I will say is, if you have a dream or an idea, trust yourself, keep the faith. Never give up no matter how hard it gets.”
‘There is no such thing as coincidence. It is synchronicity at work. I believe we are all linked inexplicably somehow’. I truly believe this. As you read, you will understand the significance of these words.
Mental health is part of me, it does not define me. Sometimes it can be likened to walking in quicksand. Other times it has given me the greatest insights and ideas which have flooded my mind, then become reality in art form. I see the world in colour and pattern, and manifest it into my passion, textile art. That is how my brain works. Not odd, just different!
Mental health is part of me, it does not define me.
Engaging with the arts has had a great therapeutic role in my life. And no surprise – there is a proven correlation between those who participate in two or more hours a week of arts engagement, and significant improvement in mental health.
“Growth occurs when we discover how to remain authentically ourselves in the presence of potentially threatening things.” (Alain De Botton in Art as Therapy)
My own personal growth journey began around 1997, studying for an HND in fashion and textiles and doing my creative work at North Tyneside Arts Studio (NTAS) which was set up by Alan Vaughan (who went on to save it from closure some years later). An amazing man!
Around 2000 I exhibited my HND collection ‘Just Holding Together’ at ING Barings Bank in London, alongside other studio members’ creative work in a collaborative exhibition. I had just finished my HND and had a place at university to study a BA (Hons) Textiles and Surface Design, which I did part time while juggling being a single parent and working part time.
After my degree I knew I wanted to inspire people through art by doing community teaching, working with asylum seekers and other various groups. To do that, I needed various teaching qualifications which took a couple of extra years.
I did my voluntary teaching hours with the WEA, after which I worked as a paid tutor, running almost 85 courses for them over the next few years, working with every kind of community group imaginable.
Afterwards, I began working freelance with NTAS facilitating textile workshops and creating works which were exhibited internationally, after meeting their Artistic Co-ordinator Michael Cunliffe at a Helix Arts networking event. I had come full circle. Where I began! Only different!
Last year, I was asked by NTAS to run a project engaging the community in workshops to produce a large banner to be unveiled at The Festival of Archaeology at Segedunum Roman Fort & Museum. I was lead artist, exploring the theme of ‘Journeys’ on the day – when a little boy from Ukraine wanted to join in. He expressed how it felt leaving his country, his family, his friends. It was, I think, the most moving experience I’ve ever had working in the arts.
I have had the chance, unexpectedly, to do some really interesting but random freelance work in the last couple of years. Synchronicity?
Alan Vaughan contacted me and asked me if I would like to work with him on some Moko Jumbie (African Stilt Walkers) costumes he had designed. We had not seen each other for a long while but found that we worked together really well and became good friends.
Last year myself and Alan were asked to make three Moko Jumbie Costumes for the Royal Shakespeare Company play ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ working with celebrated costume designer Melissa Simon-Hartman (she designs for Beyonce). Unfortunately, the actors were too scared to walk on 6-foot high stilts. The costumes didn’t go to waste however, being used at The New Orleans Mardi Gras last year.
Since then, we have been invited to Poland in June with ‘Dandyism’, a group of talented young African contemporary dancers, to assist with their costumes at The Malta Dance Festival in Poznan. What an experience!
I’ve even participated in filming with Alan and the crew, falling down a rabbit hole whilst dressed as a zombie bride in the woods, but that’s another tale!
I have had a few health issues recently which have put me on pause for a while but I am hopeful that next year I will be ready to take on new projects!
I am not going to tell anyone it has been easy for me to achieve my goals. It’s taken great strength, determination and a lot of hard work.
What I will say is, if you have a dream or an idea, trust yourself, keep the faith. Never give up no matter how hard it gets.
Go on a course if you like art. See what interests you and if you want to take it further then carry on. A good idea is to volunteer at first with an organisation or local art studio.