What are my values and my 'why'?

When I was a maker at Cockpit Art studios from 2019-2023 I was regularly asked what my brand 'goals and values' were. Before this point I hadn't given a thought to the 'why' I might have been a practicing artist or the 'why' I wanted to run workshops and work with my community. It probably took me the whole 3 years of being a maker with Cockpit to figure out my drivers and my 'why'. 

Now, when I am asked I can confidently answer that the reason I am a practicing artist and the things that underpin everything I do as a creative fall into 3 subheadings. 

Accessibility 

So, perhaps the biggest pull for me as an artist to to make my work as accessible as possible. Accessibility in the broadest sense.

I truly believe that art should be integrated into EVERYbody's daily life. This is why I am passionate about bringing art out of galleries and museums and purposefully embedding it into communities. 

I have a creative vow to work with anyone and everyone regardless of age, skill or ability and I have well and truly lived up to that thus far. I've facilitated creative play with those as young as 3, led workshops with both adults and children with complex disabilities and learning needs and my oldest client so far has been 101! 

Community

Community is SO important to me and I think, a lot of artists. Artists are so often isolated, priced out of studio spaces or unable to establish a creative community. When I have given talks about life after university one of the most important things I tell students is to find your tribe. As humans we need a sense of belonging and yes, that should come from within ourselves but it also comes from living, learning and connecting alongside each other.

When I facilitate workshops my key goal is to create a community within that moment, to make together, to bond whilst being busy with our hands. I'ts a rather beautiful thing to be able to do and I sincerely hope some more exciting workshop opportunities come my way this year. 

Play 

This one doesn't need much explanation does it? Working a lot in primary schools (especially with the little ones) I have seen how much good comes from play. I'm talking specifically about play within creativity. But it's no secret that we loose this sense of play as we grow. I'd say that I've had a bit of a creative block this year so far, its been a lot of admin, workshops and teaching but not much play! 

Playing with new materials, exploration of what could be.. That's what creativity is about in my eyes and with that in mind I have blocked out a whole day next week to be playful. I'll update you with how I get on!