I Am An Artist - Meet the Artists

Dan Donovan is a freelance practising and commercial artist. He enjoys all creative disciplines from photography, film-making, graphic design, painting and music.

As an experienced community artist Dan’s passion is engaging with people, encouraging them and seeing them excited and inspired by art, he leads fun and relaxed expressive paint courses with a focus on improving wellbeing for individuals and making art accessible for everyone, regardless of experience and ability. His courses evolved from his own journeys in art that have been his valuable therapy over the years. 

Dan’s belief is that everyone has an inner artist and his aim is to facilitate people to realise this.

Websites:

http://battenburg.biz/

http://theartstation.co.uk

Deborah would describe her practice as 'whatever comes along really'. She is proud to say that ‘[She] is an Artist’ - she is mentally flexible and likes to provide solutions to events. She considers herself to be an artist with a specialism in ceramics, but also explores other materials like metal, collage, decoupage, surface applications or whatever else she can try.  She likes to tackle different projects, for example in MYfish GY where she took workshops using all types of materials. She also has the advantage of having been a graphic designer for 15 years.

With ‘I am an Artist’ Project she hopes to gain experience for workshops, learn new skills and make more contacts.

She has a commission presently coming to and end for Friends of Boston Castle where she has carved two stone sculptures of rabbits from reclaimed stone from Boston Castle and is now organising their installation. She has been on this path for a few years now combining workshops with her own work and her aim is to further continue this path as an artist.

Lawrence is a self-taught artist/illustrator from Nottingham. He began his endeavour as an artist through bands he played in from the age of 15, creating the artwork that surrounded these projects. Soon enough, he was pursuing illustration for himself and has spent a number of years developing a style predominantly focussed on, but not exclusive to, human form and line drawing. His work includes murals, posters, album/single artwork, T-shirt and tattoo designs, and he creates prints and clothing to sell at art markets or via his website.

Website:  https://www.lawrencejamesenglish.com/

Instagram: @lawrencejamesenglish

Facebook: @LawrenceJamesEnglishIllustration 

Rachel Hayes is a passionate and self-taught artist whose work is deeply influenced by the natural beauty of the local countryside. Her approach to art is vibrant and intuitive, with a focus on colourful collages, acrylic paintings, and mixed media pieces. Her art is characterized by bright colours and bold marks, reflecting her contemporary style and inspiration drawn from the natural world.

Her background in corporate training and workshop facilitation has given her a strong foundation in communication and education, which she is now channelling into her art practice. This combination of skills is particularly beneficial in collaborative projects where her ability to guide and inspire others can shine alongside her creative talents. Rachel’s journey emphasizes the belief that art is an innate human expression accessible to all. Her dedication to exploring and refining her own style showcases the value of personal development and lifelong learning in the arts.

Instagram: @rachelhayes.art

Website: https://www.rachelhayes.art/

Rachel Scanlon is a Nottingham based visual artist working with children and young people, in and out of school settings, with care experience, SEND needs and Early Years. She works with families at Nottingham Contemporary, in women’s refuges, at Derby Family Hubs, and with older people in residential homes, and community settings. 

She is passionate about the role art and creativity can play in people’s lives. Her workshops are empowering - she enjoys co-creating work in participation with the children, young people or adults on her projects and helping people reach their full potential. Part of this process involves exploring materials, problem solving ideas, collaboration and helping others develop belief in themselves.  

Facebook: @RachelScanlonArtist

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