The art of cultural leadership
Two key experiences have influenced my professional practice; first, classical training in graphic design and art practice, and second, the culturally diverse and expansive canvas of graffiti art, where I am acknowledged as a leading figure within the origins of the movement in the UK.
As it spread globally, the impact and free creative spirit of New York writing culture made a lasting impression and ignited a desire to embrace creative challenges.
My career has since embraced everything from corporate business through to cultural heritage, education, and emotional wellbeing. These combined experiences allow me to see different perspectives, create connections and develop communications across a range of sectors and audiences.
I am an excellent mentor and facilitator with an extensive background in social engagement. I believe that the creative arts are a spark that can inspire both young and more experienced minds, encouraging all to engage in every aspect of business, education and vocational training.
Creative director
I am an experienced senior leader of creative teams within business, working strategically across a range of geographies and sectors including corporate law, energy and utilities, publishing and real estate. I have a unique blend of creative and intercultural experience and am acknowledged for establishing leadership for global brands via award-winning brand and marketing campaigns. Clients include; Michelin, Hogan Lovells, BNP Paribas, Herbert Smith Freehills and DAC Beachcroft.
Artist
As a pioneering graffiti artist as a design student at Camberwell school of Art, I sought to challenge the fears of the arts establishment, education system, and those of my peers, openly integrating graphic design, fine art and sculpture.
Numerous commissions for television, advertising and the gallery space followed, and led to my participation in the UK’s first gallery exhibition of graffiti art at Bristol’s Arnolfini gallery in 1985.
I am a co-founder of ‘The Chrome Angelz’, widely acknowledged as one of Europe’s leading and most influential graffiti crews. Collaborating to produce a number of seminal public works and commissions, our aim was to define a uniquely European aesthetic within the New York tradition.
I am also a curator, speaker and commentator on graffiti culture, and the intersections with youth culture and the politics of identity. I am a skilled workshop facilitator, and also lecture on the social and cultural significance of graffiti art as youth expression.
Creative wellbeing practitioner and mentor
As a qualified creative wellbeing practitioner, I use creativity as a spark to open new possibilities for young and more experienced minds, inviting them to acknowledge talents that are all too often overlooked or under-sold. I work therapeutically to consider the needs and capabilities of each individual within the context of their professional or educational environment.
I am experienced in working with people with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties and draw upon different approaches to enable people to achieve their personal, academic and creative potential. I have held a range of leadership posts within professional, vocational and cultural heritage organisations, where I have maintained a commitment to governance related to equality, diversity, accessibility and corporate social responsibility.
Community engagement
I am an advocate for the emotional, educational and creative needs of young people and maintain a commitment to diversity and equality in education and professional life.
In my most transformative work, I have taken an integrative, creative approach to identifying new opportunities for learning and excellence. Supporting young people to harness their potential and talent, this work allowed for deeper exploration of issues relating to culture, personal identity and emotional wellbeing.
