I am a fine artist and poet with a strong interest in making meaningful, introspective work that reflects themes such as mental health, neurodivergence and class. Through an auto-ethnographic approach, I explore how my lived experience can convey a broader expression of realities that differ from expectation and a societal norm. To quote my poetry, I aim to ‘make the unthinkable heard’.
In 2023, I received Arts Council England funding to produce page, audio, and visual versions of 'Autistic Joy'. This is an ambitious and socially-engaged project portraying the joyful side to being autistic, which is created utilising my lived experience, as well as those of a focus group of my autistic peers.
I also received commission by BBC Sounds to produce 'CHAV', which acts as an invitation to a conversation around working class realities, subverting stereotype and seeking authenticity.
I currently study as an undergraduate in fine art at University Centre South Essex. Here, I develop my skills in presenting raw narratives within visual arts. I frequently take on projects that convey the powerful message of social and psychological empowerment, unpacking heavy topics within the safety of creative practice. I continuously test the ways in which poetry and art can interact, working with ekphrasis (responding to art with poetry and vice versa) to generate content.
When engaging with my work, be it poetry or visual fine arts, I hope audiences gain a new understanding, perhaps of their own life story, or that of others.
Alongside my creative ventures, I work as a lived experience practitioner for a mental health charity, so comfortably conveying impactful messaging is a strength of mine. I am experienced in safeguarding an audience and myself through challenging conversations and experiences.
I have a particular fondness for portraiture, as it allows artists and viewers to engage intimately with the figure depicted. Regardless of subject matter, however, I connect with work that surprises me and makes me ask why.
I am currently developing a body of work that explores the connectivity between my twin passions: written and visual arts. My practice has taken on various mediums, including film, audio, painting, 3D, and more, and will continue to be varied and emotive.
To read about my work so far, head to my artist's CV or view my gallery to see more.