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. For the last four years Samira has run workshops with two contemporary dancers; Susie Glynn and Katie Mutton.

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 Hoare (who studied with Expressionist Oskar Kokoshka and Cecil Collins) with revolutionising her attitude to artistic practice and teaching.

Currently Samira is focused on running workshops called 'The Magic of Drawing' in schools accross the UK with Cliff Wright (best known for creating two of the Harry potter covers). Samira met Cliff three years ago and their mutual passion for art and vision of teaching led to a deep friendship and many artistic collaborations including recent contributions by Samira to Cliff’s ‘The Magic of Drawing’ book (soon to be published by David and Charles).

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. Samira and Cliff have both seen the importance of teaching excercises that allow the person to be absorbed in really seeing and appreciating the beauty of something as simple as a feather, not only as a relaxing antidote to this stressful world which is generally focused on doing but also as the key to being able to create accurate drawings that speak of the nature of the object.

TESTIMONIALS:

“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.

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Harry Potter Illustration by Cliff Wright (above)

Susie Glynn siting and Katie Mutton standing in dynamic pose for art workshop (left)