I work as an Art Teacher at QEM School in Tamworth but also work as Mosaic Artist and exhibit regularly at Juried, Invitation and Open shows. I have just finished one at The Corinium Museum, Cirencester am currently exhibiting at Wallsworth Hall, Gloucestershire and at York Minster in September. I am looking to develop my skills with community work and have spoken to the Arts Development team at Cannock Chase. I work full time as a school teacher but would welcome the opportunity to review this if an opportunity presented itself.
Arts and Health Relationship
I joined the NNAH during my recovery from serious illness myself where I had found working in mosaic theraputic. I have always been aware of the link between Arts & Health. Many years ago I organised pupils to make tapestries for our local hospital as well as taking pupils to decorate the wards at Christmas. Last year I organised a whole school mosaic panel to raise awareness and money for Comic Relief and to celebrate the 20 yr. anniversary of Live Aid. I have also done personal commissions for Sir Bob Geldof. At the moment I am trying to organise a visit to Start in Manchester to show some of our local health workers what they do. A friend of mine runs the mosaic workshop there. Several bodies have approached me to see if I would do some workshops and this is something I am taking advice on because of the time consumption of a mosaic piece and the acquisition of appropriate materials. I could be classed as a Lead artist when you consider the amount of teaching I have done. When working with Sixth form on Set design and on Large scale after school projects this, effectively is what it amounts to. My interest spans all the Arts and I have run extra curricular G.C.S.E. courses in Dance and Expressive Arts (one of my students gained a National Top Candidate award). When working on projects, I have seen some of the most 'difficult' pupils become calm and focused when workinng in mosaic. They have also gained in confidence and self esteem. Social skills also benefit from working as a small group. I am convinced of the power of this medium to rebuild and create. Whole outcomes from tiny fragments put together section by section are in harmony with recovery. They divert and dilute negative feelings because concentration is essential. It gives the individual time to regroup little by little which I know from personal experience is essential to physical and mental well being. I am not sure if this statement is what you wanted. Please let me know if you want further details.
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