Care & Wellbeing
I agree wholeheartedly with the phrase ‘You’re never too old to try something new’. It keeps our minds active and exposes us to new and exciting things. This ethos has been at the centre of my work since 2011 facilitating creative workshops within elderly care homes, day centres and hospital settings. I am proud of the person centered approach that drives my practice and how I adapt the classes to suit each group I work with.
Listen to my story with the Chelsea Pensioners and their love for pottery here:
I work primarily with clay but can also integrate weaving and art into workshops which can be themed or allow for individual development.
I bring all the equipment to you to run a session and offer a number of options allowing for a tailormade service.
The most important part of any creative engagement is to create a supportive, accessible and enjoyable space for everyone to be in so that there is a sense of confidence and empowerment.
This is especially important since a lot of older people I meet are unfamiliar with pottery techniques or say ‘I’m not creative’ or ‘I’m not very good at that’. Often people associate it with something they did at school and therefore it’s seen as childlike. Indeed clay is a very playful material but it is for everyone, it's wonderfully accessible, adaptable and engaging and I love showing people what you can do with it.
My classes are always calm, open and friendly and I work with each individual to ensure they enjoy the session. I balance my input with empowering the maker to explore their own way and style and ensure that any volunteers or staff supporting a session also offer the right level of encouragement and patience.
Overall the process of making with clay and having a final piece to symbolise the experience makes for a very fulfilling activity. Watching people flourish, get absorbed in making together, develop and share in a skill and express themselves is a wonderful thing to be part of.
In 2023 I celebrated 10 years of teaching at the Royal Hospital Chelsea marking the occasion with a film that celebrated the diversity of work and the joy of potting together over the years
I have worked with…
Nightingale Hammerson
Sunrise Senior Living
Tate Exchange
Royal Hospital Chelsea
RB&H Arts
Museum of London
CWPlus Charity
Ben Uri Gallery
Sir John Soanes Museum
Happy makers!
“To be able to make something with my hands and for people to say, ‘Oh! Did you make that?’, it’s a good feeling.”
“Pottery has added a new dimension to my life. It gives me such inspiration and faith in the future.“
“This is such a nice way to start the week, I’m so relaxed right now.”
