I trained in Art & Design then specialised in Textiles about 40 plus years ago in Manchester. I worked for a number of years, did some freelance work then became interested in Art Therapy after seeing an exhibition of Art & Crafts made by prisoners and people with learning disabilities.

I retrained to become a teacher and started working with adults with learning disabilities and it just went on from there to working at an organisation called Converge based at York St. John University.

Converge offer creative courses to adults recovering from mental illness and is run in partnership with the Occupational Therapy course.

Creative courses include Art, Crafts, Creative Writing, Drama, Music, Gardening and Dance to name a few.

What role do you think art and crafts play in promoting mental well-being?

Creativity in any form helps promote mental well-being. It can alleviate depression, stress and anxiety. It can help take the focus away from negative thoughts and improves brain productivity.

At Converge people were able to develop new skills in a supportive educational environment. The freedom to be creative, challenge yourself and discover new abilities was highly encouraged. As many people were also isolated the social connection with other people on courses was highly important to their mental well-being.

Can you tell me about one of your favourite projects and why it holds a special place for you?

A project I was involved with recently at Converge was about “Belonging.” It brought up a lot of thoughts and discussion about what this means to different people. We used art journaling as a way to express this individually and it is a particular favourite method of mine because it is quick and spontaneous.

I have experienced traumatic events in my own life and during those times found doing art journaling and crafts a way to deal with my emotions and relive the stress I was under.

In my craft work I enjoy using left over pieces of wrapping paper, magazines, wall paper, buttons, garden wire, wood pieces and wool. It’s a challenge to turn these items into something new!

What is your favourite Harewood spot?

Whilst I really enjoy volunteering on the State Floor, my favourite room is the old kitchen with all the lovely old copper pans and moulds.

I love this room because this is where a lot of hard work took place. The deep marks on the central table are evidence of this.

My great grandmother was in service and worked as a kitchen maid so that’s why I can relate to it. I wonder if it’s ancestral voices!

The surface of the table in the centre of the Old Kitchen dates to when the House was first built.

It is made of beechwood and it is still possible to see the scars of over 250 years of use.

Today, it’s being used to showcase Arabeschi Di Latte, Social Kitchen for Create/Elevate.

A series of ceramic sharing dishes created in collaboration with ceramicist Jo Woffinden, the pieces are hand built using stoneware clay with a blue slip finish. The surface colour is reminiscent of sugar paper, a reference to the source of Harewood’s historic wealth from sugar plantations. 

Entry to Harewood Biennial 2024: Create/Elevate is included with admission to Harewood.