Thought: “Not allowing people to live in my mind rent free.”
Started a a deeper dive with a 4-week compassion course with Angela Bhandari - a very healthy and great start to the year.
Art Thoughts
Grateful to have completed a 6-month residency with researchers at University of Birmingham (UOB), Systems Modelling and Quantitative Biomedicine (SMQB). This gave me a greater focus on exploring self-care. Currently, working towards a webinar in February and a group exhibition in March, to showcase a video I am developing from the residency. More info here
Thought: “Continuing to learn about self-compassion and being curious."
Just completed a deeper dive with a 4-week compassion course with Angela Bhandari - a liberating experience. Motivated me to start creating early ideas for some new work and workshops.
Art Thoughts
Looking forward to taking part in a webinar hosted by SMQB and chaired by Caroline Gillet, titled: When Art Meets Science: Exploring Art-Science Collaborations.
The 2024-2025 SMQB/N-CODE artists in residence will take part in an online webinar discussing their experiences of the collaborations with scientists and about the intriguing links between art & science more generally.
Artists: Alexandra Davenport, Andee Collard, Charlotte Dunn, Christie Swallow, Dan Auluk and Tom Ellis.
Currently finalizing some videos to showcase at the group exhibition for Digbeth First Friday on 7th March | 6.30-8pm.
Was great to catch up for lunch with researchers from the UOB residency (Catherine and Sam), to find out more about the research and potential future outcomes. We ate some tasty food at Bonehead
Current book reading is:
The Compassionate Mind by Paul Gilbert (2009) and hopefully trying to finish off the book Lost Connections. (So far an intriguing read - much to discuss at the Flourish Book Club - hosted by David Liversage)
March 2025
Thought: “Being kinder: practice slowing down (physically, verbally and emotionally) and taking your time. Be curious and set boundaries for self and with others.”
Art Thoughts
I have been invited by Angela from Love Compassion to run an experimental drawing workshop. Hopefully, this will lead to further collaborations and development of workshops, around creativity as self-care.
Looking forward to seeing how my video works are displayed on Friday 7th March at Centrala. All video are silent.
For the month of March I am going to continue with some writing and various digital drawings, transforming text into image.
Also, pleased to be selected for Cov Open 2025. I am also trying to apply to two opportunity a month that will benefit my critical thinking and develop my art practice and research.
Attended a ‘deeper dive’ monthly Zoom on Identities and Triggers with Darren Brady from the Flourish Platform - an online platform for gay, bi, queer and trans men. A space to connection, learn and attend various online and in-person events.
Definitely felt refreshed after attending, mainly because I connected to the shared experiences of others and felt less isolated. Also, gave me greater awareness of letting go of adopted negative identities from childhood that can sometimes affect my present.
Current book reading is:
I am a slow reader. Need to also make more time for reading. Still reading The Compassionate Mind by Paul Gilbert (2009) which will be ongoing, and hopefully trying to finish off the book Lost Connections.
