Statement

Exciting environments, creative activities and stimulating experiences to inspire young minds and develop further learning. Working with teaching staff, parents and assistants each project is devised for the children and staff involved to give them a unique experience and fulfil their desires.

I have worked in many different early years setting during 13 years as a community arts worker each requiring something different. A trip to Reggio Emilia, Northern Italy in 2004 allowed me to further realise how I could successfully put my ideas into practice and has been a great inspiration since.

Some of the projects I have been involved with:

• Ashton Under Hill pre-school 2005 - present - working with groups of children using recycled materials in an open ended project where by they could experiment with different techniques without an imposed end result.
• Sure Start Blakenall 2006 - A project with pre-school children and their carers working with light and shadow, recycled materials, hand made felt, fabric painting, making dens and mud painting. All resulted in an exhibition at the New Art gallery in Walsall.
• Bilston Early Excellence Centre 2000 - 2004 - A residency that resulted in close planning and delivery with staff. Planning was led by the childrens interest enabling us to sustain interest longer. I also offered parctical sessions for staff to allow them to further their skills and creativity.

Many more shorter residencies have been undertaken all with photograpic evidence and documentation to enrich projects.

Experience

I have worked in many different settings as a community arts worker using many different techniques, which include:

• feltmaking
• sculpture/den building
• collage/ mixed media
• environmental structures
• recycled focus
• textile printing
• weaving
• Building exciting environments
• Wire sculpture/body sculpture
• Hangings and wall panels.

Each of the techniques is adapted to develop projects within each setting. To see further examples please go to www.sharper-arts.co.uk

Qualifications/Training:

• MA - Fashion/Textiles
• Ba (Hons) Textiles
• British Sign Language - Stage 2
• ECDL
• City & Guilds 730/7 - Adult & Further Ed