Join us in welcoming the talented and varied array of creatives that became a part of the !GWAK family in July.
MIA-DALIYA CUNNINGHAM
Photo of Mia
WHO ARE YOU AND WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
My name is Mia Daliya Cunningham, I am a spoken word poet and a former Young Poet Laureate! I live in Brighton.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
I am a student about to start my masters at Mountview Drama School specialising in refugee and exile theatre, as well as performing my poetry all over the country. It’s amazing!
WHAT DRIVES YOUR CREATIVITY?
All my work is based on observation, transformation and issues that are faced by minority communities. My work is designed to make you feel something and also to create positive and notable change in the world through the power of words!
Instagram: @mia_daliya
Youtube: Mia Daliya Cunningham
LISA ELDE
Lisa shot by Djenaba Davis-Eyo
WHO ARE YOU AND WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
I am Lisa Elde, originally from Stoke-on-trent, but have lived in North London most of my life - so I am a city girl at heart.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
I am a textile designer, artist and musician. I write songs which are influenced by old school soul, Jazz and Indie rock, and I am currently working on releasing my music through social media.
WHAT DRIVES YOUR CREATIVITY?
I am a history graduate and also spend time studying psychology and ancient cultures, so my art and music pieces revolve around my interests and feelings in the human condition, and also the development of my own spiritual journey.
Instagram: @lisa.elde
NAOMI BOIKO-STAPLETON
Work by Naomi
WHO ARE YOU AND WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
I am Naomi. I was born in Israel and moved to England at a very young age.
WHAT DO YOU DO? I am a figurative oil painter interested in exploring religion and ideology in society, combining classical painting techniques with a contemporary take on mannerism.
WHAT DRIVES YOUR CREATIVITY?
The intergenerational trauma of diaspora and antisemitism combined with a rich cultural heritage informs a large portion of the subject matter of my work.
PENJANI MUNYENYEMBE
Work by Penjani
WHO ARE YOU AND WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
My name is Penjani Munyenyembe, I am currently living in Malawi, Southern Africa.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
I'm an artist focusing on photography and film, but I have many more interests which support my art/creativity such as music, nature and creative spaces!
WHAT DRIVES YOUR CREATIVITY?
Life itself drives my creativity. Life is so creative, and just observing it is marvellous.
Instagram: @pjmuny
ANNIE EDWARDS
LEFT: Love and Subsistence; RIGHT: Synergy
WHO ARE YOU AND WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
My name is Annie Edwards and I am a practising artist from Wales.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
I use my artwork as a diagnostic tool for exploring the body’s ever changing physical and psychological states. Each of my artworks possess a diverse visual identity utilizing unusual materials to express their concepts. I use projection, sound, video, two-dimensional art and sculpture as part of installations and performances, to stimulates visceral experiences.
WHAT DRIVES YOUR CREATIVITY?
I believe that art should generate a sense of community through stimulation and participation. To experience art through sight, touch, sound, taste and smell creates an inclusive experience for the viewer. This is essential to my practice and is the theme that runs throughout my work. My work has exhibited in Vancouver, BC and across the UK. A recent collaborative performance with artist and painter, Shivani Khoshia, is due to debut in UK galleries in 2020.
Instagram: @a.edwardsartanddesign
EVIE COURTIER
LEFT: Evie; RIGHT: Work by Evie
WHO ARE YOU AND WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
My name is Evie Courtier and I currently live and write in London.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
I am a freelance creative writer and poet. I also paint the occasional abstract!
WHAT DRIVES YOUR CREATIVITY?
People! Why we are who we are. People watching in coffee shops, learning about new individual’s stories and what makes them click. Making words into an art of themselves.
Instagram: @coffee_shop_thoughts & @evie_courtier
AMBER THORPE
LEFT: Amber; RIGHT: Work by Amber
WHO ARE YOU AND WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
I’m Amber and I’m from Peterborough but live and practice in lovely Norwich.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
I paint a lot of portraits, most of them being of myself recently, and I have a love for the human figure, I’m fascinated by people and their identities. Oil, pencil and pen are my favourites currently but I’ve not discovered a set style yet and am still exploring what it is I do all the time!
WHAT DRIVES YOUR CREATIVITY?
Change! Everything is always changing, the way we look, the way we see things, in this current climate change is so important and creating art to inspire change is a wonderful thing. Opening peoples eyes to a new way of seeing is something I’d love to do with my art!
Instagram: @amber_rose.art
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