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Teaching, Talking & Workshops:


I am passionate about developing sense of self and instiling play in practice. Through my pedagogical practice, I enjoy encouraging and challenging artists and illustrators to push the boundaries of what their discipline can mean to them. My own practice and experience with my own practice has driven me to concerntrate on a holistic approach to building a career from art making, helping students find alternative methods of making so that they get the most out of it. 
 
I am currently a lecturer on the BA (Hons) Illustration Online course at Falmouth University, teaching level 4 modules ‘Explore’ and ‘Innovate’ - both of which focus on exploring media and methods while considering the importance of problem solving and invention. I am also an associate lecturer at UWE, teaching on the ‘Collaborate’ module, an opportunity for level 5 students from all courses in the art & design school to combine their skills to create an outcome of an art object. I have previously taught and module led on the BA (Hons) Illustration programme at Arts University Plymouth.

I have a particular interest in monoscenic narrative and ‘nothing stories’ - stories that tell almost no story. I tend to be drawn to poetry and song lyrics, often creating black out poetry to start projects. I now exclusively work with analogue mediums, although have a background of digital illustration and artworking. I also have experience in making illustrative work for the exhibition space. 
 
Please get touch via email if you would like to work together.


Experience:
2023 - Present · Associate Lecturer, UWE
2022 - Present · Online BA Illustration Lecturer, Falmouth University
2022 · Lead Workshop Facilitator, Artwork Exeter - Weekly zine making workshops with people with brain injuries 
2022 · Foreword, Platforms of Exchange Magazine, Arts University Plymouth
2022 · Drawing Worldlines workshop, Ocean Studios
2022 · Finding Methodology, Arts University Plymouth - Postgraduate research presentation on illustration methodologies and play in practice.
2022 · Illustration, Collaboration & Inclusivity, Arts University Plymouth - Online talk on inclusivity in collaborative illustration projects. 
2021 · Out of Place, Arts University Plymouth - A talk on rediscovering my practice through the pandemic.
2019 · Illustrating Mental Health, Illustration Research Symposium, Worcester - Research presentation on how illness has helped shape my practice.
2019 · Visiting Lecturer, Arts University Plymouth.
2018 · Private Art Tutor, Plymouth
2017 · Art Mentoring, ‘Team Up’ educational charity, London/Remote
2016 · Lino cutting workshop, Cass Art Bristol.
2016 · Making crafts workshop, Cass Art Bristol.

Testimonial:
‘Naomi has worked within the Illustration team continuously during our 2021/22 academic year. Recruited at very short notice, she has been an active member of the Illustration team, and has supported our year one cohort continuously in both an academic and pastoral context. As both a vibrant and tenacious practitioner, exploring visual language and illustration methodology through play and process, she has actively supported our students as they continue to challenge and understand their own creative practice, through the ongoing development of skill building workshops and seminars. Arts University Plymouth’s mandate of Creative Excellence and Social Justice has been continuously exemplified in Naomi’s professional conduct and delivery. She has continuously proved herself beyond our expectations, taking an active role in both delivery and development of the curriculum.’ - Ben Wright, Subject Leader at AUP
© Naomi Batts 2021