Social Art Practice

My aim as a socially engaged artist is to connect, support, and empower individuals and communities, exploring the interplay between art, emotion, and our shared humanity. Passionate about making art accessible, I help people discover their creativity and process their experiences in meaningful ways.

Social practice involves using my skills as a visual artist to work collaboratively with people, whether to help process complex emotions, build confidence, or simply provide a low-pressure space to be creative with others. It can also involve using art as a vehicle to explore complex social issues like displacement, discrimination, bereavement, isolation, and trauma. My work applies creative skills across sectors such as health, education, and social welfare, with groups ranging from care-experienced young people to refugees, adults with disabilities, children and young people facing barriers such as poor mental health or neurodiversity and women impacted by poverty.

For me, socially engaged practice is about empowering others to find their voice through art, while fostering a sense of collective responsibility and care. This work prioritises community support, mutual connection, and shared growth. Art becomes a tool not just for self-expression but for building empathy and understanding between people, reminding us of our interdependence.

Project Examples:

Embodied

Exploring the Body Through Sensory Visual Art

For my MA dissertation in Applied Art and Social Practice, I developed and delivered a series of four visual art workshops for eight women from diverse backgrounds, focusing on the body as a site of healing, agency, and artistic expression. Using care-based, intersectional feminist pedagogy, the workshops encouraged artistic sensory play to create a freeing and exploratory experience. Participants reported an increased sense of bodily attunement, groundedness, and self-connection.

You can find out more about the research project and findings here.

Empowering Women Panel

Creatively Addressing the Cost of Living Crisis

As Lead Artist for Sleeping Giants’ Empowering Women Panel, I coordinated creative workshops that explored the systemic challenges faced by women, girls, and non-binary people during the cost-of-living crisis. Art became a tool for participants to collectively question societal norms and articulate their experiences as political agents. Outcomes of the sessions, including a collaborative artwork and book, were presented to the National Advisory Panel in the Scottish Parliament in February 2024.

You can see more about this project here, and see the artworks that were made here.

BR x ACT Children's Workshops

Art and Community for Primary 4 Pupils

In partnership with Articulate Cultural Trust, I designed and led a series of four creative workshops with primary 4 pupils, as part of the BR x ACT project which involved working with local artists to re-use the historical pillars from the iconic Battlefield Rest building to fundraise for the organisation. Inspired by themes of reuse and identity, the workshops featured expressive mark-making, printmaking, and explorations of the concept of ‘pillars of the community.’ Activities were tailored to engage children of varying ages and confidence levels.

You can see more about the project here: Articulate Hub: Made and Remade

Target Audiences

I offer workshops for:

  • Children and young people, including those experiencing barriers such as neurodiversity or poor mental health.
  • Adults, including women’s support organisations, refugee groups, and those navigating trauma, social isolation, or other challenges.
  • Community groups and organisations looking to engage in creative, team-building activities.
“It has been brilliant working with you and seeing the ideas and visions come to life, particularly the book. The women have all really enjoyed taking part.”
- Grace Cardozo, Director, Sleeping Giants

Outcomes

Participants leave with:

  • Improved confidence, self-expression, and a sense of agency.
  • Opportunities to socialise in a low-pressure environment.
  • Opportunities to problem solve creatively and collaboratively.
  • New creative skills, techniques, and an appreciation for artistic exploration.
  • Potential improvements in mental health with long term engagement.
“When I left the workshops, I would be walking along the road feeling like a different person—more open, less anxious, and comfortable in myself. I don't really like busy streets and busy places, but I didn’t feel I had any anxiety, which I usually would.”
- Embodied Workshop Attendee

Workshops I Offer

I have worked both independently and with a wide range of clients to devise and deliver socially engaged workshops and projects. These have included collaborations with Sleeping Giants, Articulate Cultural Trust, East Renfrewshire Council, Mount Florida Primary School, MILK Glasgow, The Bold Collective, Eco Drama, and many more.

Whether I’m working with adults, young people, or children, my workshops are designed to empower participants to explore their creativity in a mindful and supportive environment. I emphasise collaboration, care, and adaptability, tailoring each session to the needs and interests of the group. My approach fosters a non-hierarchical dynamic where participants are encouraged to experiment and learn not only from me but from one another.

By using materials in a non-prescriptive way, I guide participants to uncover their unique artistic preferences, helping them gain confidence, express themselves, and enjoy the creative process. Techniques such as mindfulness, breathing exercises, and working collaboratively underpin my methods, creating a space where creativity flourishes.

Key Themes & Techniques

Here are some of the visual art techniques and approaches I use:

Expressive and Gestural Painting and Drawing: Using ink, watercolours, or acrylic paints, participants create bold, abstract works, exploring patterns, shapes, and vibrant colours through movement and mark-making.

Printmaking: Techniques such as lino printing, monoprinting, and woodcut, often inspired by natural forms and textures.

Collage: Transforming recycled materials, magazines, and found objects into layered, meaningful creations, often to explore a topic or theme.

Outdoor Nature Drawing: Walk-and-sketch sessions in Glasgow’s parks and botanical gardens, combining movement and creativity.

Upcycling Projects: Reusing materials to create something new, from “bin monsters” with children to trinket boxes with women’s refugee groups, or using nature items for printmaking.

Collaborative Artwork: Designing banners, flags, or other shared art pieces to foster group connection and creativity.

Writing and Poetry: Encouraging self-expression through words, whether in combination with visual art or as a standalone focus.

Exploratory Crafts: Using embroidery, clay, photography, or crafts like card-making as tools for discovery and play.