About me

I am a freelance graphic designer and creative with a keen interest in mindfulness, meditation and the mental health benefits of being in nature. Since leaving the London College of Printing in 2005, I have worked for several international publishing houses designing illustrated reference books, directing photo shoots and commissioning artwork.

Working in a stressful, deadline-driven industry made it difficult to unwind and recharge, but being creative in my free time helped me switch off – or actively meditate. A hands-on approach to art, whether drawing, painting, collage or book-binding, became crucial to me as a form of expression and relaxation.  

Yet even when creating, I found myself feeling tense, holding my breath and struggling to overcome my inner critic. I decided to give more time to ‘warming up’ by calming down before my art practice, using mindfulness techniques such as visualisation, breath exercises and sensory awareness.

The results were hugely beneficial and rewarding. I felt more relaxed and more imaginative. I was kinder to myself and calmed the critical inner voice that knocked my confidence not only in my art practice but in my day-to-day life. 

I now like to play with different media in my personal art practice – I sometimes use conventional materials to achieve a particular result and sometimes work experimentally and spontaneously with items that excite and inspire me at the time. From watercolours and paintbrushes to liquid inks and twigs gathered from the forest floor during a morning walk, beautiful mark making can be achieved with both traditional and unexpected materials. My work today gravitates towards pieces that have a calming aspect and inspire relaxation.

I feel strongly that if I can gain wellbeing benefits from creativity and mindfulness, others can too. My active meditation art classes allow me to share my experience and passion for mindful creativity in a friendly, inclusive environment.