Bio
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Now located in the heart of Bristol’s vibrant contemporary art scene, my artistic journey began not in a studio but at Imperial College London. Wanting to know more about the natural world, I studied Biochemistry with a module in Music Technology (BSc ARCS). It was these studies that started to show me just how interconnected human knowledge is. How scientific music is. And how creativity can elevate science. I therefore use the term interdisciplinary to describe my art practice because the more I learn about the world the more I realise how beautiful the links between disciplines are.
After acquiring a PGCE in Chemistry from University College London, I spent eight years teaching in state schools in London and Bristol. Through teaching, a deep-seated passion for cross-curricular (S.T.E.A.M) learning and championing Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion emerged.
Despite having a GCSE in Art & Design, it wasn’t until ten years later that my art journey would properly take hold. 2017 marked a transformative year for me. What began as a mere hobby quickly evolved into a fervent pursuit of the arts. By 2020, commissions started coming in and by 2022, my artwork was being displayed in group exhibitions in galleries in London and Bristol. Interweaving science, tech, music, poetry, and fine art, I aim to carve out a niche for myself, crafting pieces that offer fresh perspectives on the world. My figurative pieces often pay homage to family, the LGBTQ+ community and scientific phenomena that intrigue me. In this endeavour, I often draw upon religious iconography with a modern twist.
By 2023, the draw of being an artist culminated in a full-time commitment to art and my educational venture, The MoSAIC. I am still passionate about education and The MoSAIC allows me to bridge the divide between the arts and the sciences, shaping the thinkers of tomorrow and is subsidised by the sale of my artwork. I typically work from The Studio at Bath Spa University where I am currently a resident. I also part of a SCITT program, providing teacher training sessions focussed on chemistry-specific pedagogy, lab safety and STEAM learning to inspire the next generation of teachers.
In my artwork my principal mediums of choice are oil, acrylic, and India ink. I endeavour to translate cutting-edge scientific research into visual narratives, making it accessible to a wider audience, including secondary school learners. These artworks are sometimes paired with lesson plans and workshops via The MoSAIC website. I try to balance out this work by occasionally using irony in my work and marketing, lest anyone take me too seriously.
Currently reading: Your Brain on Art by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross
Recent Exhibitions
Group Exhibitions:
April 2024: People’s Art Fair, People’s Republic of Stokes Croft, Bristol, UK
March 2024: The Green Ray Exhibition, L’Étoile Studio, Bristol, UK
March 2024: Moon Gazers & Star Finders, 44AD Artspace, Bath, UK
December 2023: People’s Art Fair, People’s Republic of Stokes Croft, Bristol, UK
October 2023: Frame The Tune, The Loovre, Bristol, UK
September 2023: Bristol Illustration Exhibition, L’Étoile Studio, Bristol, UK
September 2023: Exactly.ai Exhibition, Shoreditch Arts Club, London, UK
August 2023: The Struggle Continues, People’s Republic of Stokes Croft, Bristol, UK
March 2023: People’s Art Fair, People’s Republic of Stokes Croft, Bristol, UK
November 2022: Open Exhibition, Southwark Park Gallery, London, UK
PUBLIC SPEAKING
AWARDS & PRIZES
August 2023: Dubel Prize - UK Emerging Artist of the Year - Final 34 Shortlist
OTHER CREDENTIALS
B.Sc in Biochemistry with Music Technology (ARCS)
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE - Chemistry)
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
Designated Safeguarding Lead Level 3 Trained
£5m Public Liability Insurance
STEM Ambassador
Simplified Bio (reading age 10 years):
Now I live in Bristol, a city full of artists, but I started my art journey in an unusual way. Instead of art school, I went to a university in London where I studied science with a bit of music as well. There, I learned how music is a lot like science and how being creative makes science even better. I use the term ‘interdisciplinary’ to describe my artwork because I believe that there is a lot of beauty in between the subjects that we learn at school like art, music and science.
After becoming a science teacher in London and Bristol, I realised that I loved combining different subjects like art and science. I also believed in representing everyone fairly in my education.
Although I had learned a bit about art in school, I didn't really start painting until ten years later. In 2017, I began painting as a hobby, but soon, people started taking an interest in my work. By 2022, my paintings were shown in galleries in London and Bristol. My art combines many of my interests: science, music, poetry, and more. Many of my paintings tell a personal story, featuring members of my family and the LGBTQ+ community, my extended family. I love using my art to communicate the parts of science that inspire me. I also love historical religious artworks and I often use imagery from these paintings in my own work but used in a more modern way.
By 2023, I transitioned to working full-time as an artist and running a project called The MoSAIC. This project uses art to teach young people about science. When people buy my art, some of the money helps support The MoSAIC. I also teach other people how to teach chemistry.
I love to paint with oil, acrylic, and ink. My paintings help to explain new scientific discoveries in a way that children can understand and inspire them to be creative. Plus, teachers can use my art in their lessons because I provide lesson plans online and workshops in-person. But even with all this serious work, I sometimes add a touch of humour to my artwork because I don't want people to think I’m too serious all the time.
Currently reading: Your Brain on Art by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross