Episoder
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As part of our current series, and to celebrate the reopening of the Museum of London on Wednesday 19th May, Muna speaks with the museum’s Director Sharon Ament. Sharon has had a varied career working in wildlife conservation, the Zoological Society, and the Natural History Museum. In her current role as Director of the Museum of London, Sharon is overseeing the construction of a new museum site in West Smithfield.
In this episode, we discuss:
An introduction to Sharon and her career path (00:40)What it is about museums that Sharon loves so much, and some of her favourites (04:00)Why access to museums is important for everyone in the UK (06:24)The role of museums and the Museum of London in the climate crisis (10:24)The conversion of the General Market in Smithfield into the new Museum of London and what this will mean for the city (12:50) The impact of the Black Lives Matter movement and the removal of the statue of Robert Milligan from outside the Museum of London in 2020 (17:00)The staff that make up the Museum of London and their varied and multimedia programming (20:45) Sharon’s early life and upbringing (23:00) What Sharon loves about where she lives in East Dulwich (27:00)If you want to find out more about Sharon, you can find her on Twitter at @SharonAment
This episode was produced by Sophie Monaghan-Coombs on Twitter at @sophiemc01
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We’d love to know, which museum are you most excited to visit with the new lockdown rules relaxed in the UK?
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We are completely self funded so if you would like to support us we would be extremely grateful: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=34411265
Please rate, review and subscribe to our podcast! If you’ve enjoyed this episode, why not send it to a friend?
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As part of our series looking at cultural institutions in London, as well as how we memorialise and learn from the past, we speak with Georgie Wemyss. Georgie is the Co-Director at the Centre for Research on Migration, Refugees and Belonging at the University of East London. Georgie also runs walking tours
In this episode, we discuss:
An introduction to Georgie and her work (00:35)Georgie’s personal background, her early career, and (01.50)How Georgie first became involved in anti-racism work and the context of East London at the time (06:00)The main findings in Georgie’s book “Invisible Empire: White Discourse, Tolerance and Belonging” (11:15) How far we have to go with teaching history in this country (13:45) The changes in the experience of British Bangladeshi’s over the years as seen through Georgie’s work (15:30)Everyday Bordering across health, education, and housing and the importance of more work in this area (19:27) The influence of family on Georgie’s life and work (22:45)If you want to find out more about Georgie, you can find her on Twitter at @GeorgieWemyss.
Be part of the conversation
We’d love to know, where do you think your gaps are in your knowledge of British history?
Find us on Instagram @portrait_of_a_londoner
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Twitter @portraitpodcast
or email us at [email protected]
We are completely self funded so if you would like to support us we would be extremely grateful: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=34411265
Please rate, review and subscribe to our podcast! If you’ve enjoyed this episode, why not send it to a friend?
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Manglende episoder?
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Continuing our series on museums and galleries, we’re thrilled to welcome Katharine Alston, Volunteer Director of the Deptford Ragged School Archive and leading in public engagement learning at Imperial War Museum London. Katharine is passionate about heritage learning
In this episode, we discuss:
An introduction to Katharine and her transition from teaching to museums (01:15)An introduction to the Deptford Ragged School (04.46)The work that Katharine is doing to address inequality in the borough (10:04)Katharine’s lightbulb moment for starting her PHD on museum learning (13.57) Katharine’s favourite museums in London (16:15) The influence of Katharine’s grandparents (18:27)If you want to find out more about Katharine, you can find her on Instagram at @deptford_ragged_school_archive and Twitter @art_e_facts
Be part of the conversation
We’d love to know, which are your favourite museums in London?
Find us on Instagram @portrait_of_a_londoner
Facebook @Portrait of a Londoner
Twitter @portraitpodcast
or email us at [email protected]
We are completely self-funded so if you would like to support us we would be extremely grateful: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=34411265
Please rate, review and subscribe to our podcast! If you’ve enjoyed this episode, why not send it to a friend?
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To kick off our brand new series on museums and galleries, we’re thrilled to start with a conversation we had with Zoe Whitley. Zoe is the director of the Chisenhale Gallery in London and we talk about all things art and galleries, including Zoe’s career, the uniqueness of Chisenhale Gallery, and the need to ensure marginalised voices are included in museum spaces.
In this episode, we discuss:
An introduction to Zoe and Chisenhale Gallery (01:00)Zoe’s entry into art, artists, and art museums (03:50)Challenges Zoe has faced throughout her career, including as a black woman in the arts, and how these issues can be addressed (07:20) The importance of showcasing marginalised artists and some of Zoe’s most inspirational influences (11:00) Zoe’s proudest career moments (16:40) What Zoe loves most about galleries and her favourite ones around the world (19:00) How the public can get involved in the Chisenhale Gallery (21:15) What Zoe loves about where she lives in South East London (24:00)The influence of Zoe’s parents (25:15)If you want to find out more about Zoe, you can find her on Instagram at @zoe.whitley and the Chisenhale Gallery can be found on Twitter at @ChisenhaleGal and Instagram at @chisenhalegallery
Be part of the conversation
We’d love to know, which are your favourite galleries in London?
Find us on Instagram @portrait_of_a_londoner
Facebook @Portrait of a Londoner
Twitter @portraitpodcast
or email us at [email protected]
We are completely self funded so if you would like to support us we would be extremely grateful: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=34411265
Please rate, review and subscribe to our podcast! If you’ve enjoyed this episode, why not send it to a friend?
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We are excited to share with you our conversation with Labour MP Ellie Reeves, who represents Lewisham West and Penge and is also Shadow Solicitor General.
Episode notes
In this episode of Portrait of a Londoner, Muna speaks with Ellie Reeves MP about politics and life in parliament, and how they impact the lives of Londoners.
In this episode, we talk about:
Ellie’s journey into politics and how and why she became an MP (0:50)Equality and the realities of parliament for female MPs (4.00)Diversity in parliament: the current status and the changes still needing to be made (7.15)Ellie’s work as Shadow Solicitor General to help support women who are victims of sexual violence (10.25)Questions from our listeners on some of the most pressing issues for Lewisham including emissions and the death of nine-year-old Ella Kissi-Debrah, racial inequality, and support for asylum seekers (14.40) What Ellie loves about where she lives in South East London (21.45)How Ellie’s parents have influenced her (23.10)Advice for women and girls on becoming more involved in politics (23.50)Find out more about Ellie’s work as an MP through her Twitter @elliereeves and Instagram @elliereevesmp
Be part of the conversation
We’d love to know, which issues are most important to you and where you live?
Find us on Instagram @portrait_of_a_londoner
Facebook @Portrait of a Londoner
Twitter @portraitpodcast
or email us at [email protected]
We are completely self funded so if you would like to support us we would be extremely grateful: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=34411265
Please rate, review and subscribe to our podcast! If you’ve enjoyed this episode, why not send it to a friend?
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Francesca Specter shownotes
Episode SummaryWe’re back with a new episode with Francesca Specter - podcaster, author, and journalist whose book Alonement was published in March 2021.
Episode notes
In this episode of Portrait of a Londoner, Catriona speaks with Francesca Specter who is passionate about helping others love the time they spend alone.
We discuss Francesca’s work and why she is passionate about inspiring people to value their alone time. We also discuss the relationship between alonement and gender, some of Francesca’s best podcast guests and favourite books, and what she loves about where she lives in North West London.
In this episode, we talk about:
An introduction to Francesca, the alonement movement, and her new book (0:38)Keeping movements of alonement once we come out of lockdown (4.50) The Alonement podcast and highlights from some of Francesca’s most insightful guests (9.10) The effect of social media on our psyches (14.20) Francesca’s book habits and recommendations (16.23) What Francesca loves about podcasting and the importance of conversation (18.45) How the freedom to be alone is a different story for women (20.40)What Francesca loves about where she lives in Chalk Farm (21.52)If you want to find out more about Francesca, you can find her on instagram.com/chezspecter and her book is available now. We loved reading it, and we’re sure you will as well.
Be part of the conversation
We’d love to know, how do you feel about spending time alone?
Find us on Instagram @portrait_of_a_londoner
Facebook @Portrait of a Londoner
Twitter @portraitpodcast
or email us at [email protected]
We are completely self-funded so if you would like to support us we would be extremely grateful: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=34411265
Please rate, review and subscribe to our podcast! If you’ve enjoyed this episode, why not send it to a friend?
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In this episode we talk to Emma about:
Her views on wellbeing in the workplace (3.02)How leaders should role model good practice (9.49)Examples of organisations that are leading the way (13.20)How her parents have influenced her (20.28)Challenging gender inequality (21.27)If you would like to find out more about BITC you can find them here www.bitc.org.uk
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If you enjoy this episode please let us know what you think by contacting us on social media or via email.
Find us on Instagram @portrait_of_a_londoner
Facebook @Portrait of a Londoner
Twitter @portraitpodcast
or email us at [email protected]
We are completely self funded so if you would like to support us we would be extremely grateful: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=34411265
Please rate, review and subscribe !
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In this episode we speak to Katty about:
What holds people back from starting their own business Childhood bullying and racism which informed her decision to work for herself in adult life How to get the confidence to take the plunge into entrepreneurshipHer upcoming business coursesHer current career influencesHow her mother influenced her What she loves about LondonFor more information about Katty and her courses check out her website: https://www.therealnessinbusiness.com/
Be part of the conversation
If you have watched county lines please let us know what you think by contacting us on social media or via email.
Find us on Instagram @portrait_of_a_londoner
Facebook @Portrait of a Londoner
Twitter @portraitpodcast
or email us at [email protected]
We are completely self funded so if you would like to support us we would be extremely grateful: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=34411265
Please rate, review and subscribe to our podcast! If you’ve enjoyed this episode, why not send it to a friend?
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In this episode we discuss:
How to create boundaries between home and work lifeHow to manage the dual role of working from home and home-schoolingHow to make a great lunch for one at homeHow to plan for success using present tense journalingWhy she loves living in LondonRebecca’s recommendations for local takeaways!You can find out more on Rebecca on her websites https://www.rebeccaseal.co.uk/ and https://www.howtoworkalone.com/
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Let us know if you enjoyed this episode and please share on social media if you did!
Please get involved via socials on the following:
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Mark Salter qualified in East London in 1983 and after two years working at junior level as an anaesthetist began training as a psychiatrist, obtaining MRCPsych in 1989. In 1994 he became a Consultant in Adult General Psychiatry at St Bartholomew's and the Homerton Hospitals in London and, apart from a one-year sabbatical working in the Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand, has remained in this post to the present.
He is presently responsible for the provision of adult general psychiatric care to a deprived inner city area which is extremely varied in terms of psychopathology and socio-cultural make-up. His day-to-day work routinely brings him into clinical contact with psychiatric disorders including depression, schizophrenia, PTSD and organic cerebral syndromes. His professional areas of special interests include the ethics of psychiatry, the psychopathology of trauma, substance misuse and community care.
Because of his interests in ethics, mental illness and trauma, he has for the past 18 years run a fortnightly medico-legal clinic . This work has dealt with diverse topics of testamentary capacity, issues of causation in post traumatic stress and other reactive disorders, unexplained pain and other ‘physical’ conditions, as well as disorders such as psychotic illnesses, substance misuse and personality disorders.
He has an interest in the media representation of psychiatric illness and the role of serious incident enquires in the management of homicides and suicides committed by the mentally ill. He is an adviser to the Mental Health Charity MIND and the Jewish Association for Mentally Ill (JAMI). He has published numerous articles and letters on the field of substance misuse, schizophrenia, risk and untowardness, mental health legislation and community psychiatry. In 2008, he published Outdoor Psychiatry, an innovative handbook on community psychiatric care.
In addition to his clinical work, he is committed to public education in order to improve understanding of complexities surrounding mental illness. He has worked on many radio and television programmes on BBC, ITV and Channel 4 and he has also helped with many theatrical performances. Earlier this year he helped the Royal Ballet Company to produce a modern reworking of Greek myth of Cassandra, as an honest and contemporary depiction of manic-depressive disorder.
Be part of the conversation
Please get involved via socials on the following:
Find us on Instagram @portrait_of_a_londoner
Facebook @Portrait of a Londoner
Twitter @portraitpodcast
or email us at [email protected]
We are completely self funded so if you would like to support us we would be extremely grateful: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=34411265
Please rate, review and subscribe to our podcast! If you’ve enjoyed this episode, why not send it to a friend
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Mark Salter qualified in East London in 1983 and after two years working at junior level as an anaesthetist began training as a psychiatrist, obtaining MRCPsych in 1989. In 1994 he became a Consultant in Adult General Psychiatry at St Bartholomew's and the Homerton Hospitals in London and, apart from a one-year sabbatical working in the Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand, has remained in this post to the present.
He is presently responsible for the provision of adult general psychiatric care to a deprived inner city area which is extremely varied in terms of psychopathology and socio-cultural make-up. His day-to-day work routinely brings him into clinical contact with psychiatric disorders including depression, schizophrenia, PTSD and organic cerebral syndromes. His professional areas of special interests include the ethics of psychiatry, the psychopathology of trauma, substance misuse and community care.
Because of his interests in ethics, mental illness and trauma, he has for the past 18 years run a fortnightly medico-legal clinic . This work has dealt with diverse topics of testamentary capacity, issues of causation in post traumatic stress and other reactive disorders, unexplained pain and other ‘physical’ conditions, as well as disorders such as psychotic illnesses, substance misuse and personality disorders.
He has an interest in the media representation of psychiatric illness and the role of serious incident enquires in the management of homicides and suicides committed by the mentally ill. He is an adviser to the Mental Health Charity MIND and the Jewish Association for Mentally Ill (JAMI). He has published numerous articles and letters on the field of substance misuse, schizophrenia, risk and untowardness, mental health legislation and community psychiatry. In 2008, he published Outdoor Psychiatry, an innovative handbook on community psychiatric care.
In addition to his clinical work, he is committed to public education in order to improve understanding of complexities surrounding mental illness. He has worked on many radio and television programmes on BBC, ITV and Channel 4 and he has also helped with many theatrical performances. Earlier this year he helped the Royal Ballet Company to produce a modern reworking of Greek myth of Cassandra, as an honest and contemporary depiction of manic-depressive disorder.
Be part of the conversation
Please get involved via socials on the following:
Find us on Instagram @portrait_of_a_londoner
Facebook @Portrait of a Londoner
Twitter @portraitpodcast
or email us at [email protected]
We are completely self funded so if you would like to support us we would be extremely grateful: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=34411265
Please rate, review and subscribe to our podcast! If you’ve enjoyed this episode, why not send it to a friend
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In this episode we discuss:
Her own career journey (1.44)How people might choose a therapist for themselves (08.47)How she chose her own own therapist during training (10.36)How she maintains her own wellness and not taking on the stress of her patients (17.51)How her parents have influenced her (24.55)If you need further support you can find a list of therapists here:
www.psychotherapy.org.uk
www.nhs.uk
Be part of the conversation
Please get involved via socials on the following:
Find us on Instagram @portrait_of_a_londoner
Facebook @Portrait of a Londoner
Twitter @portraitpodcast
or email us at [email protected]
We are completely self funded so if you would like to support us we would be extremely grateful: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=34411265
Please rate, review and subscribe to our podcast!
If you’ve enjoyed this episode, why not send it to a friend?
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In this episode we discuss:
Her model of treating depression including:Beliefs that people have about themselves, beliefs that have been inherited and building a genogram (03.00)Depression can present with anger and can be a signal that life needs to change (06.00)Access to therapy: barriers Faith as a tool for support during mental health struggles (11.50)How to cope with feelings of helplessness associated with racism (13.30)How to cope with feelings triggered by the pandemic (18.00)Her inspirations including the family therapists who developed narrative therapy David Epston and Michael White https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Epstonhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_White_(psychotherapist)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narrative_therapyIf you need further support you can find a list of therapists here:
www.psychotherapy.org.uk
www.nhs.uk
Be part of the conversation
Please get involved via socials on the following:
Find us on Instagram @portrait_of_a_londoner
Facebook @Portrait of a Londoner
Twitter @portraitpodcast
or email us at [email protected]
We are completely self funded so if you would like to support us we would be extremely grateful: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=34411265
Please rate, review and subscribe to our podcast! If you’ve enjoyed this episode, why not send it to a friend
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In this episode, we talk about:
What a County Line is (01.58)Pupil Referral Units (03.00)The county lines worker demographic: 91% teenage boys (06.00)The story of the boy who inspired the film (09.00)Why they decided to make the film and how they went about getting it to production (12.30)How Conrad Khan was chosen for the role and prepared to play Tyler (16.00)How youth violence was reduced in Glasgow by limiting school exclusion (24.00)The impact of loss of community (30.00)What they love about living in South East London (31.00)If you want to watch the film - all screenings of the film will be listed at:
https://www.bfi.org.uk/whats-on/bfi-film-releases/county-lines
If you want to find out more about the film:
Instagram:
@COUNTYLINESfilm
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/COUNTYLINESfilm/
Twitter:
@COUNTYLINESfilm
Be part of the conversation
If you have watched county lines please let us know what you think by contacting us on social media or via email.
Find us on Instagram @portrait_of_a_londoner
Facebook @Portrait of a Londoner
Twitter @portraitpodcast
or email us at [email protected]
We are completely self funded so if you would like to support us we would be extremely grateful: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=34411265
Please rate, review and subscribe to our podcast! If you’ve enjoyed this episode, why not send it to a friend?
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In this episode of our JOY series, we talk to Kenya Hunt whose new book GIRL: Essays on Black Womanhood was released in November 2020.
Episode notes
Kenya Hunt is an American editor and writer based in London. She is currently the Fashion Director at Grazia UK and previous positions include Deputy Editor at ELLE. Kenya also founded R.O.O.M. Mentoring, which provides support for those trying to get into the fashion industry and works to help the sector become more diverse.
Kenya’s book GIRL: Essays on Black Womanhood is a collection of essays about what it means to be a black woman in our time, told through her own story and experiences and those of some of her peers. It was published in November 2020.
In this episode, we talk about:
Why writing this book was so important for Kenya (0:35)Who Kenya had in mind when writing the book and the mantra ‘For us, by us’ she kept returning to (1:56)Social media and hashtag culture, and the role of women in social movements and the recent US election (2:51)Kenya’s experience starting out in the fashion industry and the importance of dedicating time to try to shift the industry to be more inclusive (7:33)How Kenya thinks about the experience of being a black woman today, and her hopes for how she would like this to evolve (12:15)The initiative Kenya started in response to the homogenous publishing and fashion industry she encountered in the UK, which helps graduates break into the industry and gives them support to progress within it (13:25)The influence of Kenya’s parents, and how they continue to impact her own approach to parenting (16:04)How Kenya finds joy spending time with family and writing (18:23)The music and magazines Kenya uses to lift her mood and find joy (20:08)You can find Kenya @kenyahunt on Instagram and her book is available to buy online and in bookshops. We can’t recommend it enough.
Be part of the conversation
We would love to know how this conversation resonates with you - have you read Kenya’s book or are you planning to?
Find us on Instagram @portrait_of_a_londoner
Facebook @Portrait of a Londoner
Twitter @portraitpodcast
or email us at [email protected]
We are completely self funded so if you would like to support us we would be extremely grateful: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=34411265
Please rate, review and subscribe to our podcast! If you’ve enjoyed this episode, why not send it to a friend?
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Jane Martin, or @JaneCanDoSE4 on Twitter, has her hand in many of the local initiatives which have helped create strong community ties in Crofton Park and South East London - including the netball team where Muna and Catriona first met.
Jane has lived in South East London for almost 40 years and tweets and blogs constantly about the area. She is passionate about the community and supporting local businesses. She has played an integral role in lots of local activities and festivals, as well as local sports. We speak to Jane about building strong local ties, the importance of sport and how she finds joy.
In this episode, we talk about:
The start of the netball team, which is where our podcasts host first met (1:04)Jane’s resilience and optimism, where this comes from and how she maintains it (3:55)Being a community champion in South East London (6:29) The Crofton Column - Jane’s blog and finding new things to report on during lockdown (7:54) How Jane has maintained joy during lockdown through cycling and playing tennis (9:15)Finding joy through the rediscovery of jigsaw puzzles (11:40) Volunteering initiatives Jane has joined this year to help during the pandemic (12:48) The influence of Jane’s family on how she finds joy in sport now (15:11)If you want to find out more about Jane, take a look at her Twitter @JaneCanDoSE4 where you’ll also find links to her blog.
Be part of the conversation
Which sports bring you joy, and how has finding joy changed for you this year?
Find us on Instagram @portrait_of_a_londoner
Facebook @Portrait of a Londoner
Twitter @portraitpodcast
or email us at [email protected]
We are completely self funded so if you would like to support us we would be extremely grateful: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=34411265
Please rate, review and subscribe to our podcast! If you’ve enjoyed this episode, why not send it to a friend?
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Episode Summary
Next up in our JOY series, we chat to Dominique Beverton about walking, sustainable fashion and music.
Episode notes
We continue our search for joy in lockdown in London as we speak with Dominique Beverton AKA @irrelevant_styling about her various passions.
https://www.instagram.com/irrelevant_styling/
Dominique is a force for good on instagram, documenting her colourful life in South East London and her impeccable taste in sustainable clothes. We discuss what brings Dominique joy, including nature and walking, slow fashion and music.
In this episode, we talk about:
Finding peace in walking in nature (3.08) The joy of reconnecting and spending quality time with her daughter in lockdown (6.28) Sustainable clothing and why Dominique has an aversion to the word ‘fashion’ (7.25) What Dominique’s perfect day in lockdown looks like (10.08) Dominique’s joyful music favourites (11.20)Which clothes bring her joy, and where to find one off pieces in charity shops in South East London - including the art of a good window display (12.23)If you want to find out more about Dominique and take a look at her outfits, find her at https://www.instagram.com/irrelevant_styling/.
Be part of the conversation
We’d love to know, do you find joy in second hand shopping? What are your top tips?
Find us on Instagram @portrait_of_a_londoner
Facebook @Portrait of a Londoner
Twitter @portraitpodcast
or email us at [email protected]
We are completely self funded so if you would like to support us we would be extremely grateful: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=34411265
Please rate, review and subscribe to our podcast! If you’ve enjoyed this episode, why not send it to a friend?
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This week we speak to Rob Lowe AKA Supermundane, an artist based in South East London. Rob’s signature geometric images that play with line, colour and optical effects, have been published and exhibited worldwide.
https://www.instagram.com/supermundane/
As part of our series on joy, we sit down with Rob to discuss where joy can be found in his work, and why creating joyful art is so important to him. We also find out how he finds joy in his personal life through music, film and cold water swimming.
In this episode, we talk about:
Finding joy in cold water swimming and Tooting Bec Lido (0:20)The importance of joy in Rob’s work as an artist and how this has changed during lockdown (2:49)Rob’s introduction into art and professional journey as an artist (09:00)Why we should be challenging ourselves to say no and slow down in today’s world (10:50)Favourite films and the joy of watching them again and again (12:37) The music and playlist making currently bringing Rob joy (15:10) The places that Rob visits to feel joy and what he looks out when going to exhibitions (18:10)If you want to find out more about Rob, check out his website https://supermundane.com/ and follow him on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/supermundane/, where he posts details of when you can visit him at his studio in Forest Hill.
Be part of the conversation
We’d love to know, how does art bring you joy?
Find us on Instagram @portrait_of_a_londoner
Facebook @Portrait of a Londoner
Twitter @portraitpodcast
or email us at [email protected]
We are completely self funded so if you would like to support us we would be extremely grateful: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=34411265
Please rate, review and subscribe to our podcast! If you’ve enjoyed this episode, why not send it to a friend?
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This week we talk to Jasmine Pradissitto, artist and physicist.
Jasmine introduces her self below in her biography, you can find out more on Jasmine on her website https://www.pradissitto.com/ and she is on instagram and twitter.
“Just be you; everyone else is already taken.” Oscar Wilde
Paradoxically, just being ‘you’ is the hardest thing to be, especially when you feel compelled to change the system. For many, I am an artist; but my family would tell you, I am simply a dreamer. I was lucky as, from a very early age; my dreams were shaped by the intense colours of Italy. We had an Italian painter friend then, Eliot, who I apparently watched sitting from a step, for hours. I have never stopped drawing and making since.
Born in Taunton to an Italian father and French mother, we moved to South London, where I still live and where my practice is based. My path to art was through the sciences, working for ICI for a brief stint and finally culminating with a Ph. D from UCL in 1996 on the Quantum behaviour of silicon. But I was also attending Goldsmiths College in the evening to study fine art. Like a lost melody that kept resonating in my head, the two worlds just seemed linked.In addition to painting, I then set up a successful, consultancy delivering creative science and maths to children and teachers and STEAM too, has crossed into my practise. Children are the most creative of all thinkers as they simply don’t get ‘impossible’. In 2006, I finished a BA in Fine Art and since then, have shown extensively as well as taught and lectured at all levels including for companies such as Glaxo and The BBC. I am currently a Visiting Fellow, delivering a new body of lectures on Creativity, to Engineers and Scientists. This is leading me onto exciting new collaborations with businesses as well as more public speaking. Creativity and 'play' in any arena, really does strike me as a necessary evolution in an age of such scientific and technological possibilities. I believe that Artists and Art have an enormous responsibility in presenting a different perspective on the 21st Century Renaissance which is happening so very fast, especially now post-Covid.
Apart my passion for making connections, I love open space, speed, simplicity yet paradox, time spent in the 'art cave', mind minestrone, good friends, belly laughs, nature and the sun on my back.
We really are just the sum of all the things we experience and the people we meet. This holds truer for artists than for most. I have been so fortunate in the people who have added to the sum of my parts. I cannot thank you enough.
“Every good artist paints what he is.” Jackson PollockHer path to art was through science. Whilst completing a PhD from UCL on the Quantum behaviour of silicon in 1996 she was also attending Goldsmiths College in the evenings studying fine art. Art has always been her passion.
Her ‘Flower Girl’ sculpture currently displayed in the Horniman Museum garden uses pioneering pollution absorbing materials to clean the air around it.
We talk to Jasmine about:
What joy means to herHow she curates joy in her own lifeHow a tutor at art college gave her the freedom to merge science with artHer childhoodClimate change and living sustainablyIf you are a new listener to Portrait of a Londoner we would LOVE to hear from you!
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In this episode we talk to each other about why we decided to make a podcast inspired in part by the work of Action for Refugees in Lewisham.
We use some of the questions provided by the Campaign for Empahy menu for conversation including
Out today on the podcast we speak to each other! Earlier in the year when we spoke to @nick.merriman CEO of @hornimanmuseumgardens and he mentioned to us that he loved visiting @kettlesyard in Cambridge.
Kettle's Yard are running a Campaign for Empathy which is the world’s first community-centred campaign to promote empathy as a way to foster a sense of community and connection in a time of physical distancing and social isolation.
Inspired by their project, in our conversation we ask some of the questions included in the Campaign for Empathy menu for conversation including..
What 3 things do you always have in your fridge?
What memory stands out from your childhood?
When did you last feel empathy towards someone?
What advise would you give to your 20-year-old self?
Do you have an unfulfilled dream?
What does a happy life mean to you?
- Vis mere
