I am a fine artist and poet with a strong interest in meaningful, introspective work that reflects themes such as mental health, neurodivergence, gendered experiences and class. Through an auto-ethnographic approach, I explore how my lived experience can convey a broader expression of realities that differ from societal expectation. 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 autistic peers. So far, the film version of Autistic Joy has been accepted for 9 film festivals and two art galleries.The film is freely available on YouTube.
I also received commission by BBC Sounds to write and voice 'CHAV', which acts as an invitation to a conversation around working class realities, subverting stereotype and seeking authenticity.
I recently graduated with first class honours in fine art from University Centre South Essex. I used my time at university to develop my skills in presenting raw narratives within visual arts, frequently taking 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 work.
When engaging with my work, be it poetry or visual fine arts, I hope audiences gain a new understanding, perhaps of their own lives, or those of others.
Alongside my creative ventures, I work in participation for a mental health charity, so comfortably conveying impactful messaging is a strength I have developed over many years. I am experienced in safeguarding an audience through challenging conversations and experiences.
To read about my work so far, head to my artist's CV or view my gallery to see more.