Nayna Lad Merseyside, United Kingdom
After a successful and fulfilling career spanning nearly 2 decades as an Art Teacher, I left the profession in 2018 to become a freelance visual arts facilitator . I have worked with numerous establishments throughout the North-West delivering workshops to all age groups and ability levels. My aim is to provide a platform for participants to actively explore different media is a safe setting.
My practice is deeply rooted in creating an environment that enables people to access visual arts through experimentation and different media use. Participants are given the freedom to develop their creativity within set themes provided. Whilst delivering these sessions preparation has been a fundamental factor in ensuring that the activities are properly resourced to stimulate and engage. My workshops are very diverse in terms of cultural influence, artists reference and themes that I choose, to cater for a broad audience. I have worked with toddlers, right through to the elderly in residential homes, in small intimate settings to groups of 30 children. The basis of my practice is to provide an opportunity for participants to create artwork that is in no way shape or form going to be judged or marked. The capacity of my role is to support, give guidance and encourage, through demonstrations and using constructive dialogue to inform the best outcome. I have worked with some prominent establishments such as museums and art organisations as well as smaller companies who value the importance of participatory arts. It is not by accident that people feel happier after creating a piece of artwork, regardless of whether they are drawing, painting, printing or manipulating a piece of clay. The evidence is unequivocal with the profound positive impact it has on mental well-being. This knowledge has continued to give me the motivation and passion to utilise my skills in a way that provides a safe platform for others to access the visual arts.