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Do you let the past influence who you are? "I was told I wasn't good enough at art," shared a participant in one of my workshops. At the beginning of a recent workshop I was conducting, I had a conversation that deeply moved me and resonated with my emotions, prompting me to share some of my personal experiences, observations, and thoughts. It was that moment when you're greeting your new group of participants at your workshop for the day, engaging in conversation over a hot

Walking with a sketchbook - The art of stopping and taking time to see. "‘Great, a perfect sunny clear sky and it’s not too hot." These lyrics echoed in my mind as I left the car park and started along the path through the woods, guided by the sound of a babbling stream, or ffrwd, at the base of the Welsh giant, Cader Idris. The landscape soon revealed a breathtaking view of the mountain, which stands at 893 meters, in southern Eryri National Park. Even though I have been hik

As some of you may know, my self-employed work involves not only being an artist but also working as an outdoor instructor, and balancing both roles presents a variety of challenges. After leaving my teaching career, I'm frequently asked about my current activities. I usually explain that I juggle several roles: creating and selling art, teaching art workshops, doing some supply teaching, and working as an outdoor instructor both in the UK and abroad. Recently, someone asked

How are you at asking for help? It’s only recently, that I have realised I’m not very good at asking for help. As some of you are aware, my self-employment involves varied work throughout the year, with the summer months packed with busy days spent outdoors, hiking in the UK's National Parks, and helping young people develop their expedition skills. For this element of my work I have to be self-sufficient looking after myself in a range of different weather conditions and nat