....you've arrived to Usha's space
Welcome, I am arriving to the world of the web, watch this space as I find my way......
Commissions, Design and Participation, Education, Movement and Stillness, Health and Wellbeing - just a few slide shows to give you a glimpse into my world.
Commissions, Design and Participation, Education, Movement and Stillness, Health and Wellbeing - just a few slide shows to give you a glimpse into my world.
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I love being in nature, any excuse to go for a walk, climb a tree or sit in my allotment and let the sky fall into my lap.....
Whilst these pieces go way back to my beginnings, the theme of the natural world has remained central to my work and will always continue to do so. As a screen printer I only ever used paper stencils to create my pieces. I enjoyed bringing nature and it's fresh or soothing colours to interior spaces: libraries, community centres,hospitals and elders homes. |
Participation in design
Being part of the design process from start to finish is an exciting prospect when so much of our manufacturing has diminished and we live in a easy come easy go "off the shelf" society.
Allowing the process to guide us towards (or simply become) the product is key. it brings with it the unexpected and fruitful surprises! I have been involved in many fabrications projects as a consultant or creative facilitator. The following collaboration with Campbel designs was a delightful opportunity to take a school on a creative journey from ideas on paper to metal in space... The idea began with the pupils, the result - a tree house, a flexible learning space integrated as part Robinhood Primary school's new build. (Building Schools for the future Programme 2010) |
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EducationBringing learning to life is close to my heart. I couldn't stand so many aspects of my own schooling. I am dyslexic, and in those days it wasn't a recognised 'gift' so I was bunged in the "E" band.
I strongly believe the creative arts bring their own wisdom and vitality to any learning process. I respond to each project using multi - sensory and inter- disciplinary approaches to tap into our "intelligences". I work with diverse themes from ecology to spirituality and play - designing experiences to support an appreciation of ourselves , each other and our environment. My mediums are varied and eclectic. I create Installations, encounters, textiles, mixed media pieces and spaces to ingnite the imagination. |
Performance
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Movement and stillnessIn an increasingly busy world,
being aware of movement and stillness in opening our perception and experience of time and space is an invaluable resource. There is also the sheer joy of movement and it's potent form of non verbal communication. My influences have come from somatic and mindfulness based movement practices through Skinner Releasing, Move into life and Amerta movement. They inspire my own creative practise and philosophical enquiries and my work in education and health and well being. |
Health and Well-beingi have worked in a diverse range of health care settings with youngsters and elders from 6 months to 96 years old.
They have included Hospitals, Adult and Children's Hospices, GP surgeries, Sure Start, Mental Health and Primary and Secondary schools. Public engagement happens on many levels: from campaigns raising awareness to staff trainings or directly in the care setting itself enhancing quality of life, communication and participation. Bringing creative arts and movement into the heart of care, to the ward or bedside, to the place of recovery or in supporting rest-bite from distress with those with life-limiting, threatening or changing illnesses in hospitals and palliative care is a privilege. I am currently part of Breathing Space, an exciting and innovative dance in health programme. |
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