Alia

I’m an illustrator passionate about connecting people, especially children and families to culture and nature through engaging artwork. I’ve worked with the National Trust, creating illustrations for family trails and events that educate and inspire curiosity. I also create children’s book-style illustrations, crafting playful, imaginative visuals that spark learning and wonder. I also freelance as an artist Educator delivering workshops to children and the community for Pallant House Gallery.

I help people discover the wellbeing benefits of creativity through mindful art workshops.  The focus is on the exploring techniques that calm the mind, everything is abstract so there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’.  Sessions are suitable for beginners and those with experience. I encourage clients to leave perfectionism behind and simply enjoy the process of playing with watercolours, doodles and mandalas – although people love their finished pieces too! I discovered mindful art whilst in recovery from brain surgery, I passionately believe it helped me with mood, overwhelm, self-esteem, resilience and focus.  Mind Unwind combines my background of 25 years in education as a teacher and education adviser with my own lived experience.

I’m an artist based in Southampton, and I work freelance as a specialist in Artist Support, helping other creative people with their work. Drawing on my 20+ years experience as an animation director, creative business owner, university lecturer, and work with local and national arts organisations, I provide one-to-one advice and support with: finding opportunities and building networks planning a project or activity feedback on your work making an application for funding managing work-life balance I also run workshops, deliver training and host panel discussions events and crit groups, and I provide access support for funding applications. I’m happy to meet in-person or online. Feel free to get in touch if you’d like to know more.