Creativity as a process for change
Through the intersection of storytelling, poetry and printmaking, I guide senior leaders to unlock creative thinking and build purpose-driven organisations that flourish.
I trained in foundation Fine Art at Belfast Art College, was awareded my bachelors degree in Psychology and Fine Art Printmaking at Liverpool Hope University and gained a Post Graduate Diploma in Psychotherapy from Leeds Beckett Univeristy.
My work over the last 25 years has been inspired by communities and individuals who prioritise relationships through mutual respect. I am particularly drawn to barrier free and trauma informed expressions of creativity for the common good.
Printmaking
My work explores themes of inclusion, care for creation and eschatology (end of times) and often reflects on the role of diaspora communities in urban settings to build resilient and harmonious communities.
Inspiration lies in my homeland and the mythological stories of ancient Ireland, which appears as a recurring theme of nature based metaphores, toponyms and wisdom in my work.
My prints have been exhibited with the 20:20 Exchange and also used as a backdrop for retreats and workshops on some of the hardest to talk about social injustices; misogyny, climate racism and poverty.
Creative Production
It has been a real joy to curate exhibitions, host talks, produce short films, project manage events as well as create content for blogs, podcasts, socials, press and radio.
Working with theatre, performing arts, dance and LIVE arts organisations to stage immersive productions in churches, libraries and shopping centres has led me to work with inspirational partners including the Lagos based, PawPaw Studios - Lagos Fringe Festival where we co-produced 'Esther's Revenge' in the round at the iconic Leeds Minster.
I co-produce and toured the 'The Chair of Sanctuary' artwork around shopping centres, libraries, schools and churches as wells as curation of 'The Way Up is Down' - a reflection on the social and emotional impact of COVID-19
In the summer of 2026 I joined a community ensemble in Josephine Burton's immersive ingenuity 'Our Public House' at the Leeds Playhouse - an exhilarating production.
Creative Writing
I use poetry and creative writing in my screen printing and workshops and it is great fun to host 'Ekphrastic Workshops' for change makers. My poetry has been included in 'The Holdings' anthology and short story published in 'From the Cauldron' anthology.
I have recently toured the 'Chair of Sanctuary' a collaborative textile screen print project with local poet Rachel Flint through the 'Writing on Air' festival.
I am passionate about supporting young people in the expression of their radical imagination and recently launched the Leeds Children's Creative Writing Awards in partnership with the Grammar School at Leeds and Leeds Philosophical Literary Society.
Festivals
Over the years, I have loved volunteered my skills with festivals
As a Director of the Leeds Literature Festival I developed Good Governance practices, worked on fundraising diversification and set up their steering group to increase reach.
In the role of Interim Co-Chair of the Board of Trustees at COMPASS Live Art Festival I ensured the charity's mission, of animating the city of Leeds with interactive art projects in public spaces created by ambitious artists, was realised.
As a steering group member of Leeds International African Arts Festival (LIAAF) I co-produced diaspora arts events with their Creative Director, Ndidi Nkwopara.
My work as Creative Director for the Art Theology festival saw exhibitions, workshops and talks hosted at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance and Leeds Art Gallery as well as community based 'Creativity Catalyst' in local church spaces.
Get in touch to discover how the 'Art of Good Governance' can help your organisation