Upcoming

Workshops

Vivienne will be running 4 ink workshops during her solo exhibition INTO THE SEEDS OF TIME at Omved Gardens

For more information and to book - read more here.

Talk

Vivienne and Dr Helen Barnard - Climate Ethicist - will be in conversation at OmVed Gardens about:

Creativity, Responsibility & Hope in the Climate Crisis

For more information and to book - read more here.

Vivienne is a dedicated art educator who integrates art with environmental consciousness and social responsibility. She believes that art is a powerful medium to inspire and educate individuals of all ages about sustainability and the interconnectedness of life.

Teaching Sustainability Through Art

In her classes, Vivienne employs a variety of techniques to instil environmental consciousness and social responsibility. For primary and secondary students aged 6 to 16, she offers instruction including natural ink making using plants from edible gardens, Japanese woodcut (ukiyo-e), collage, drawing, painting, printmaking and sculpture. These activities are designed to comply with various curricula while promoting an understanding of sustainable practices.

For adult learners, including teachers and educators, Vivienne conducts mindful and nurturing ink and watercolour workshops. Utilising Japanese materials—paper, ink, and brushes—participants capture the spirit of plants based on traditional Japanese sumi-e techniques and can also explore more intuitive and experimental approaches to mark-making. Activities such as enso (circle) drawings and the creation and use of nature brushes from the immediate environment encourage a nurturing connection to nature. Vivienne also incorporates her knowledge of observing nature through the 72 Japanese micro-seasons, which change every five days, and encourages participants to engage with her mindfulness journal, which can then be taken home to continue the creative journey.

Ongoing Studies and Philosophical Integration

Currently, Vivienne is furthering her studies in how to implement sustainability in the classroom through art. She is also taking modules at the University of Oxford that focus on philosophy, environmental ethics, and climate change where she explores ways to maintain creative and hopeful outlooks. This academic pursuit enriches her teaching methodology, allowing her to integrate philosophical perspectives into her art education practices and make connections to the UN SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals).

Fostering Curiosity, Joy, and Hope

Vivienne's art education approach is designed to foster curiosity and promote happiness, joy, and hope among her students. By highlighting the interconnectedness of all life through the lens of art and nature, she empowers her students to become the next generation of sustainability leaders. Her classes and workshops not only teach artistic techniques but also instil a profound appreciation for the environment and a commitment to social responsibility.

Through her comprehensive and compassionate approach to art education, Vivienne equips educators and students alike with the tools to inspire and enact positive change, ensuring that the principles of sustainability are woven into the fabric of creative expression.

Development of a Sustainable Art Department

Vivienne played a key role in developing and teaching a sustainable art syllabus for the adolescent program at the Exemplar London AMI Montessori School for the past two . This initiative aligns with the Montessori philosophy, empowering the next generation to lead happier, more fulfilling lives while making positive contributions to their communities and the planet. Her curriculum emphasises hands-on, experiential learning, fostering a deep connection with the natural world.

Recent Events

February 2024 – Workshop at The Kindred House, Margate
Vivienne led a workshop focusing on ink and nature to connect participants with their landscape. Using foraged materials from Margate—sticks, tree buds, stones, shells, driftwood, chalk, and seaweed—she taught pen and ink techniques. Students painted and printed using Japanese brushes, handmade natural brushes, and leaves onto paper, stones, and seaweed. This adaptable workshop fosters a deeper understanding of the seasons and the role of art in connecting with nature, promoting collaboration and environmental awareness.

May 2023 – Artist Talk at OmVed Gardens, TRACE Exhibition (Chelsea Fringe Festival)
During the TRACE exhibition curated by Thrown Contemporary, Vivienne presented her Magic Hour paintings, which raise questions about vanishing food plants. Her talk explored ongoing research on endangered and extinct plants and fungi, discussing how her science-based art highlights issues like species loss, clean air, water, soil, and biodiversity.

March 2022 – Pre-Recorded Talk for International Women’s Day
Hosted by an educational organization for female UK secondary schools, this event encouraged students to consider careers in creative industries as part of the "Women in Creative Industries" initiative.

2022 – FB Live Talk for Southwood Social Hub
Vivienne presented for a network supporting women in business, sharing insights into her creative journey and environmental art.

September 2022 – Painting Workshop on Endangered Plants, London Open House Festival
A hands-on workshop focusing on the beauty and importance of endangered plants, raising awareness through creative expression.

2022 – Montessori Teacher Training Workshop
Vivienne conducted an art training session for Montessori elementary educators, emphasizing cross-curricular art integration and sustainability.