Biography
Having been a mental health nurse before working as an artist and tutor, I often used art as a form of expression and fun with patients, Art making increases well- being, relaxes, soothes, start conversations and enhances confidence among many other benefits. It transformed me and in time I became a full time artist to commit more fully to a life of making, teaching and learning.
Being part of an abstract painting group while living in Australia from 2008 - 2011 I knew I wanted to run freeing experimental workshops back to the UK. A common view seems to be that a negative experience in art class at school, usually a comment from the teacher, had put a person off for life, subsequently repressing any creative outlet. The combination of creating for mental well-being and creative risk taking for personal empowerment was born.
The "Intuitive Art-Freedom to Paint" workshops began in 2014, built on simple but effective techniques combined with a relaxed and fun approach. The aims were to develop tangible skills that are achievable and fun. The focus is on loosening up and trying new ways of working with accessible cheap materials.
Travel and new experiences are vital for me in feeding inspiration and ideas. Residencies in Wales and Iceland so far, with the differences in culture, food, language, landscape and weather excites me to see and create afresh. I am regularly at our local North Norfolk coast which heavily influences my work.
Coming from a family of artists, and having always attended a wide selection of workshops, evening classes and courses in art. Art Pocket Art School provided the environment for my next creative leap in their Post Graduate Diploma in Art in 2018. This expanded my love of mixed media and exploratory work and I began to combine personal and global concepts. The natural progression was to apply to do my Fine Art degree at Norwich University of The Arts. I intend to make art, learn about art and teach art for the foreseeable future.
I run a yearly four week workshop for Norwich Mind, and tutor workshops based at Artpocket Art school based in Norwich. Bespoke workshops for groups can be arranged contact me for further information.
See Workshops page for more details, get in touch on the contact page.
Hi lovely lady its Mel from Haddenham Gallery - I need to up date our records - whats your new address and contact details & email if possible please - hope all is well
Many thanks, take care
melinda xxxxxxx