Community Projects.

During the Henfield Show and Fair, I was invited to create a temporary sculpture to mark the occasion. Henfield Clayscape invited the community to come together and shape clay objects inspired by the village, celebrating the people, places and details that make Henfield special. Each participant’s creation was added to a growing collective landscape, forming an imagined clay version of Henfield built by its own residents. The project welcomed all ages to take part and offered a joyful, environmentally positive way to connect through making, reflecting community, creativity and place.

Henfield Clayscape

Poppy Project at St. Peters School, Henfield.

In 2023 and 2024, I had the privilege of donating my time and materials to support St. Peter’s School in Henfield in creating ceramic poppies for Remembrance Day. This project provided children with the opportunity to engage with clay, exploring hands-on processes and learning new skills.

Through this experience, students were encouraged to think creatively about how to represent nature using material, fostering both artistic expression and a deeper connection to the symbolic significance of the poppy. It was a rewarding way to introduce young minds to the transformative possibilities of ceramics while honouring an important tradition.

People working on a ceramics project at a table. There are egg cartons, clay, paint brushes, pictures of flowers, and tools for sculpting visible.
Collection of white ceramic flower sculptures on a green cutting mat.
Person shaping handcrafted clay shells on a wooden board, with sculpting tools and art supplies on a craft table.

During my degree, I collaborated with Emmaus Brighton, a charity dedicated to supporting homeless individuals in finding housing and employment. I was tasked with creating a project that utilized waste materials to enhance the site and/or generate income. The outcome was The Nature Club, a concept designed to engage children visiting the charity’s site, particularly in their hidden gem—a secret garden.

The project included creating nature activity packs made from recycled materials, such as broken donated plastic toys and unsellable clothing destined for landfill. These packs were designed to provide interactive, eco-friendly activities for children, fostering creativity and a connection to nature while promoting sustainability.

Unfortunately, the project was unable to proceed to market due to the pandemic. However, it remains a testament to the potential of transforming waste materials into meaningful, community-focused initiatives.

Material Matters at Emmaus Brighton.

Colorful handmade craft projects including a butterfly shape, a cup, and a cloud, along with small painted stones and sketched insect designs on paper, displayed on a wooden surface.
Child's nature activity kit on a wooden table, including a small floral bag with 'Nature Club' written on it, drawing and coloring supplies, a checklist with bee and butterfly images, and a handwritten note or drawing.
A narrow dirt path through a lush green forest with decorative butterfly, ladybug, and butterfly hanging ornaments hanging from the trees.
Wooden sign reading 'Ennis Wildlife Garden' in a wooded area surrounded by green plants and fallen leaves.