Filling The Gaps

Since receiving the Immersive Arts Award, life has felt like both a whirlwind and a deep dive — equal parts exhilarating and demanding. I’ve thrown myself into learning more about the technical side of Virtual Reality, signing up to Coursera to plug some of the gaps in my knowledge. I’ve already completed the Google VR and 360° Video Production course (a great overview), and I’m now working through the Virtual Reality course by Goldsmiths — one module down, four to go!

Unfortunately, I had my heart set on the UAL Creative Wellbeing: Health Through Artmaking course, but it was cancelled. Disappointing, yes — but I’ve quickly pivoted to other opportunities to keep the momentum going.

A particularly exciting development has been connecting with Immersive-Experiences UK, a brilliant business doing really thoughtful work — including with neurodiverse communities. I’ll be helping out at their events and learning loads in the process. Even better, it’s enabled me to connect Ellie (CEO of Spectrum) with Cheryl (CEO of Space4Autism), which I hope will spark some valuable new conversations and collaborations.

I’ve also been soaking up ideas through online talks and seminars — most recently I signed up for the IdaX talk with Anagram and the Neuroscience and the Creative Arts Summit by Seed Talks. These are incredibly rich with insight and spark so many ideas around the intersection of art, brain, and perception.

I would also thoroughly recommend the book, my latest read 'Being You' by Anil Seth.

As for my own practice, I’m currently collaborating with Manchester artist Jeffrey Knopf, whose work is deeply rooted in the concept of Memory — something I’ve also long been drawn to in my own visual storytelling. We’re importing his 3D scans of Auschwitz into VR, where we can respond to them artistically and emotionally. We’re also exploring ways to bridge the physical and virtual by moving from VR into 3D printing — anchoring intangible memories in material form.

It's encouraged me to play with photogrammetry and scans. I visited the place where my stepmother's ashes have been scattered; one of her favourite places. I've scanned her memorial bench and also 'her tree'. Looking forward to using these in VR and experimenting.

Below is a screenshot of a scan I did of my friend Becca Smith's Beltane Tree.

More soon. But for now, back to making, learning, and staying curious.