Jyl is a freelance visual artist with 30 years' experience of delivering creative projects across the region in education and community settings.
Her creative practice is rooted in the Reggio Emilia approach, which emphasizes child-led exploration and the open-ended expression of creative ideas. Drawing from this philosophy, she brings an innovative, artistic, and exploratory approach to connecting children with nature. As a Level 3 Forest School Leader, and always with a creative approach, she guides young people in immersing themselves in the outdoors, fostering both their creativity and connection to the natural world.
Jyl offers workshops and residencies for families, as well as early years and primary settings, where children can hone their creative skills while developing a deeper appreciation for the seasons and their local environment. Her sessions are designed to nurture creativity, curiosity, and a sense of wonder about the world around us.
Through Process, Product and Collaboration different Art and Craft activities are selected to develop mindful creativity, working with natural and responsibly sourced materials with a seasonal approach.
Through Gateshead's Emerald Explore programme Jyl was one of four artists invited to create, backpacks with prompts/activities on a chosen theme suitable for adults, children and families which relates to exploring the outdoors. The backpacks are available for families to borrow like a book at Gateshead libraries.
Also as part of Emerald Explores programme she is working with Park Head school Encouraging creativity inspired by nature in the school's forest school area. Working with two Year 2 classes across spring and summer and Year 1 children through autumn and winter.
(Emerald Explorers is a diverse programme of activities for all ages, designed to improve wellbeing through creativity inspired by nature and the outdoors).
