I like to reflect on where I first started art, and how I’ve got up till this point.
I was always creative as a kid; but never really was allowed to pursue art in school- being rejected from art GCSE so opting for Music instead where I did songwriting.
This, for me was a release and an escape from the bullying. But I really wanted to pursue drama… escape into characters- always being fascinated by the technical backstage elements.
I finished school and went to pursue a course in business at college; but my mental health took a turn for the worst and I entered a hospital where I stayed for 6 months.
Giving up hope was a real option.. but a music and arts therapist and workers in the hospital helped me to rediscover my passions and interests. I was hooked to art and creativity again…
So I went back to college and did 2 years of technical theatre with a keen interest in making avant-garde theatre art that helped me get through my mental health diagnosis, learning disabilities and face life using art as a form of self expression.
After this I took another step forward…
University!
As someone who was told Id never get anywhere in life.. this was a BIG step. I managed to get a spot on a the inaugral year of a new BA Hons course at London South Bank University in Theatre Technologies- the first course of its kind at this University.
There; I pursued my passions for the creative inudstries and creating work that was based on topics like mental health, important ethical issues surrounding cultural values and community projects. I even got to work in Toronto in Canada twice on international design briefs!
Recognising that my art could help others aswell as myself, I graduated in 2019 and did a PGCE to learn how to become a teacher and support students at college level to get creative.
So where am I now?
I’m on this MA in Inclusive Arts Practice; with a passion and a desire to learn skills in how to become a better artist – on a more reflective, inclusive and impactful level.
I may pursue a PHD in the future… but id love to become an inclusive teacher- teaching theatre arts and community theatre to vulnerable and marginalised groups of young people – to give them the chances I perhaps never had.
That’s just a quick whistle stop tour… and it’s the journey that counts- it’s something I can say has shaped me entirely and I’m excited to see where my art and the course takes me!
