WORK
COLLABORATIVE WORK
ESCAPISM, 2023
I collaborated in an installation pop-up exhibition with two other professionals: one from Fashion Art Direction, Beatrice Icke, and the other from Fine Art, Olivia Read. I modeled for Beatrice in her work titled 'Escapism at Home' for Fashion Week, and from there, we decided to collaborate with Olivia Read, who specialises in installation art.
We collaborated by combining our skills in curation and direction, as well as experimenting with angles, lighting, and texture. The installation was then showcased at 7 Brothers in the Northern Quarter, Manchester. As it was my first public show, I feel extremely accomplished with how it turned out. I believe it enhanced my skills in working with others from different disciplines, which will be very beneficial for me during my artistic journey and career path. We have plans to organise more pop-ups together and collaborate with additional artists and professionals.
SATURDAY CLUB
VOLUNTEERING AT THE SATURDAY CLUB
When RISE offered me the opportunity to be a co-facilitator for The Saturday Club, I knew immediately that I wanted to be part of it. The club's objective is to deliver workshops tailored to young people. We were given several specialist subjects to choose from, and I opted for Art and Design. To apply, we had to explain why we believed we would fulfill a valuable role in the Saturday Club and why we desired to join. I expressed my interest in pursuing a teaching career, as well as my eagerness to assist young individuals in learning and thinking in unique and unconventional ways. I conveyed my belief that the current school system caters only to a specific type of person, while others thrive in more interactive learning environments.
We met on Saturday afternoons in one of the MMU buildings, where I served as a co-facilitator, assisting with the planning and management of the art and design workshops. During these sessions, we encouraged the young participants to explore and experiment, pushing the boundaries of their creativity and stepping out of their comfort zones by working with various mediums and materials. Each workshop was distinct, ranging from still-life drawing with different mediums to creating collaged self-portraits.
I found immense joy in witnessing the growth and increased confidence of each individual as we encouraged them to explore beyond their comfort zones. It was inspiring to observe their unique styles and techniques emerge. The Saturday Club has aided me in multiple ways, showing me how I can utilise my skills as an artist to contribute to the wider world. It has helped me develop teamwork skills, mentoring abilities, and leadership qualities, all of which will remain valuable assets as I pursue my chosen career path.
THE 20:20 PRINT EXCHANGE
The 20:20 Print Exchange presented an incredible opportunity to participate in a global art exchange with fellow art students. In partnership with Hot Bed Press, one of the largest print workshops in the UK, students were invited to create 25 identical prints using their preferred printmaking method. Each print was then named and labeled with our initials, date, university, and social media platforms.
All the prints were collected and compiled together, resulting in each participating student receiving a box set containing 20 prints from students across the globe. I was fortunate to receive prints from talented students in various locations, including Russia. This process not only allowed me to connect with fellow students from different regions, but also provided a sense of shared experience.
This collaboration made me realise how much I enjoy being part of a collective effort that unites individuals who share a passion for the same artistic medium. It also prompted me to contemplate my potential career path more deeply, considering avenues that align with my passion for art.
