Hello I’m Penny…
I’m a Leeds based, multi-media artist who works with groups and organisations in my local community to facilitate artistic expression in a co-creative way. Art is a language that everyone should have an opportunity to explore however our current systems prevent us. I hope to play a part in changing this by supporting people through art.
“Penny works in such a way that the children develop all kinds of artistic skills but also feel relaxed enough to talk about their feelings and their fears. In all of the projects that she has done with us we have seen an incredible improvement in the confidence and self-belief of the children she has worked with. The children are proud of new skills that they learn and this confidence has transferred to the way in which they approach other areas of the curriculum.”
My Approach
I have a ‘people centric’ approach to my work, with everyone having an opportunity to share, learn and grow from one and other. It’s a relaxed and open process where people explore ideas before transforming them into something visual. My role as an artist is to use my understanding of different materials and techniques to best support our shared collaboration.
Everyone is an artist; we all just need an opportunity to be one.
“Speaking as someone who isn’t incredibly confident when it comes to teaching art, Penny was an absolute inspiration to myself as well as the children. Her passion for the subject is clearly evident in each of her carefully planned and prepared sessions. Having run this workshop with two very different groups of children, Penny was able to engage and enthuse every member of the class, all of whom took something different away from the sessions. Since working with Penny, my outlook on Art has changed; I would definitely recommend working with Penny.”
Art in the Community
I believe people in my community should have every chance to get involved with the arts. I have worked with many schools in Leeds to share artistic skills with both children and staff. I also work with different community groups and organisations, facilitating artistic activities for many different purposes.
Art is an excellent tool to raise awareness of many social issues and my role as a community artist, is to support my community through shared understanding as we explore the many issues, we all face within society. Schools are essential organisations within our society and working with young people is a fundamental part of my work.
I’m eager to work alongside institutions such as galleries to promote art in the community and make it more accessible.
“ “I cannot thank Penny enough. She has built Sauls confidence by showing him how his slightly different style of thinking fits perfectly with his love of art .
This has given him the confidence to change direction and continue his education (something I thought he would never do!), but in pursuit of a subject that he loves and which will enhance his life.”
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