About
I am an artist, art psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, educator, writer and activist.
I believe my art practice to be central to all my work. It has informed my work as an art therapist and my ongoing investigations of visual media in relation to social, political, cultural and personal dimensions, when working with marginalised people. I have a passion for art based research and the meeting of art and activism and in 2012 cofounded the arts organisation Sweet ‘Art that operates from intersectional feminist perspectives and gives voice to marginalised people in the arts through the hosting of art exhibitions projects and events. Recently Sweet ‘Art has launched the Art Bypass Gallery which I co direct and curate, based in a permanent space in Dalston, London.
I have exhibited my art works extensively both in the UK and internationally. My practice currently focuses on photography, sculpture, film and self portraiture, utilising an element of performance and costume to explore issues of identity, culture and self reflectivity. I often create installation pieces that utilise all of these media, creating a sense of the multi layered, intersecting complexities of human experience and identity. I am a woman from the GRT (Gypsy Romani Traveller) community and prompted by personal experiences have developed an interest in privileging marginalised voices and challenging social disparities and power through art, activism and education.
'Lines in the Sand' my first short film as both director and writer previewed at Cannes film festival 2012 and was also selected for Raindance film festival in the same year. My short documentary ‘The Baby and the Snake’ which was completed in 2017, explores patriarchal roles within Romani Gypsy culture and the impact of social exclusion and racism on my community. The film won Best Documentary in the London Independent Film Awards in 2018 and I have been invited to screen the film and join panel discussions and Q&As in both galleries and film festivals. Recently the film has been acquisitioned by Worcester Museum and galleries along with 3 other existing and commissioned works for their permanent collection.
I have been a practicing art psychotherapists since 2005 and was founder and director of intersectional feminist art therapy charity, Outskirts. I am currently on sabbatical from my therapy and supervision practice and also from any therapy related training, lecturing and writing. This is to concentrate on my art practice. However I do offer mentoring, portfolio review and training in the realms of art and arts based self reflexivity. I also, as part of my activism, offer some free of charge individual consultancy on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion related matters (including in therapeutic realms) if I have capacity, so do contact me with any needs and enquire.
In the past I have worked therapeutically in women’s charities with survivors of domestic abuse and violence. In hostels with adults experiencing homelessness and with addiction issues. In therapeutic communities, in medium secure wards working with women with personality disorder diagnosis and in children’s charities where I also managed several therapeutic services within schools. My advisory services offering equality, diversity and inclusion support to organisations has included acting as EDI advisor for the International Journal of Arts Therapists (IJAT) and consultant on EDI policy for the British Association of Art Therapists. In 2024 I have been nominated for a British Association of Art Therapists Award for dedication to Anti Oppressive Practice. The award ceremony is to take place at the Wellcome Collection in November 2024.
Since 2012 I have published several peer reviewed articles and co edited the and wrote the seminal text Intersectionality in the Arts Psychotherapies published in 2021. I have also guest edited for the International Journal of Art Therapy.
Since 2014 I have worked as a lecturer, reflective practice and training group facilitator and workshop facilitator on MA Art Psychotherapy and foundation trainings. My specialism when teaching has been practicing from psychodynamic foundations, integrating intersectional and feminist perspectives, exploring identity and difference and raising a consciousness in practitioners surrounding issues of normative power, privilege and prejudice in art therapy practice. I have lectured to national and international audiences on art psychotherapy and anti-oppressive practice. I have also offered bespoke continual professional development trainings for therapy and teaching teams in charities, NHS trusts and for the British Association of Art Therapists, exploring issues of racism and equity.
I also have great hair.