Workshops

Samira has worked with children and adults teaching in schools and community venues for over 10 years. She teaches both how to open up to our expressive nature and technical art skills. She believes each of us is able to make amazing unique drawings if we can open to the process of enjoying the experience and stop getting caught up in the continual judging of the results. Time and time again Samira has met adults who believe that they are unable to draw and Samira is passionate about showing that art is a pleasure which is accessible to everyone and with time the results will come.

Samira did a BTEC foundation course in Art and Design at The Surrey Institute of Art and Design and achieved a BA in Drawing from The London Institute of Art and Design. She went on to independently study drawing in Florence and accredits well-known workshop leader; Meriel Gold (who studied with Expressionist Oskar Kokoshka and Cecil Collins) with revolutionising her attitude to artistic practice and teaching. Samira combines both this expressive understanding of art with technical study and has trained as a secondary school art teacher to develop her skills as a teacher.

Samira has also been running collaborative workshops in the UK with Cliff Wright (best known for creating two of the Harry Potter covers). Samira met Cliff five years ago and their mutual passion for art and vision of teaching led to a deep friendship and many artistic collaborations. Samira’s energetic, fast-paced drawing style, which she introduces with fun ideas and music, is the perfect compliment to Cliff’s calming focused activities and gives the children a chance to experience two distinctly different approaches that both have the same founding principle; enjoying the drawing experience.

“Children loved working with Samira. She has an excellent manner with them and inspires them with her energy, skill and enthusiasm.”

Maggie Ring, Rosendale School, East Dulwich. Nov 2000

“Her energy, passion and enthusiasm for this subject is immense and has engaged pupils with particularly challenging behaviour.”

Sarah Donovan – Head of Art, Kingsford Community School.

“Your workshops are very enjoyable – improves concentration.”

Member of adult education course run in Haselmere 2008.

Student doing a workshop at Newton Primary School