Professional info
I appreciate the honesty and sincerity often expressed by children and those with Learning Disabilities. I began working in a residential setting supporting adults with Learning Disabilities in 2010 and have since worked with a huge array of differing personalities with differing needs in a range of settings from a secure psychiatric hospital to a primary school and am fascinated by themes of social acceptance, social interaction, physical contact and what is public/private; often these definitions or what each of these entail to someone I support will be significantly different to that experienced by those who do not receive support. I explore these ideas in the art I make often, and hope to make it suggestive of the purity of something experienced through a naive mind.
Work experience
Learning Support Assistant
​2014- present
I get to listen to stories and play lego, get tips on what to do when faced with giant spiders or supervillains, run art clubs and get hugs just for coming to work in the morning. I am lucky enough to be able to repeat primary school and immerse myself in a positive, exciting environment filled with enthusiasm and laughter. I get to experience daily triumphs and witness little ones enthralled in learning. I can truthfully say that I love my job, and appreciate this greatly.
Support Worker
​2010 - present
People often say "I admire you, I couldn't do that..." I get to go bowling, go to the cinema, spend an evening with lots of people dancing freely, uninebriated. I get to play bingo and bake cakes, play wii fit and take people to coffee shops. I get greeted with open arms when I come on shift and am welcomed into someone's home wth "You're back!" and a big grin. Admittedly it's not always flowers and rainbows, but helping someone to retain their lifeskills and learn new ones is very rewarding.
Residential Education Worker
​2012 - 2013
I learnt a lot during my time working with teens with severe Autistic Spectrum Condition and the main reason I left was due to the staff, not those I was supporting. Observing people who seem oblivious, uninterested or opposed to social contraints is fascinating. As is the impact that a colour, a sound, a word, light or pattern can have upon someone.
Education
Fine Art (BA Hons)
2008-2011
​The greatest period of self expression and development I've experienced and a fantastic time filled with fun. I met amazing people and was surrounded by stimulation. I made videos about touch and tatse, sensuality and sexuality, and loved every minute.
Wiltshire College Trowbridge
​2007-2008
A chance to allow my mind to resort back to being a blank page ready to turn into a masterpiece of creativity- I was encouraged to forget the nonsense I had learnt at school regarding drawing, painting and sculpture and was introduced to a diverse range of techniques that could lead me down countless paths on my journey that would stem from a singular word or brief.