Richard Jones

Hi, I’m Richard! I self-identify as both autistic and ADHD. I thrive creatively in environments where I feel both inspired and supported, courageous but safe, connected to myself and my collaborators. I’ve struggled to find group environments where all these needs have been met and so was driven to co-create somewhere for like-minded individuals.

I’ve been playing and writing music since the age of six. Growing up the 70s and 80s, I gorged on the pop music of the time and this had a big impact on my style as a vocalist, pianist and songwriter, along with jazz, blues and soul.

For as long as I can remember, I have loved to play and create spontaneously. As a six or seven year old, I would make up little plays and record ‘radio’ programmes onto cassette tapes. Somewhere along the line, this sense of play and silliness was squeezed out of me by the serious adult world and it has taken years to rediscover this part of me through experimenting with various disciplines, including somatic coaching and improv courses.

Now I write, play and perform music and improv, as well as using creativity skills in my part-time day job in the accountancy profession. I am living proof that you can be both serious, playful and creative all at the same time. You don’t need to be a full-time artist to use your creativity!

I am also a leadership and creativity coach and work with individuals one-to-one and in groups to rediscover their authentic voice so they can express what matters to them through performance art or public speaking.

Laura Wilson

I’m Laura, hello.

I’m a London based multidisciplinary artist and facilitator. I think the BEST things about creativity, are the endless choices you have. I’m talking about the rooms you can go to, the people you can meet and of course what you end up making.

But also! How you guide yourself, what you pay attention to, develop, risk, play with. What mediums do you enjoy? Do you prefer techniques, formats and structures or do you feel happier exclusively following your instinct? Are you a studious creative or do you need playtime? What’s your message? Do you even want or need a message?! What does this pen do? You get the picture. There’s so much to enjoy – and I’m such a geek about all of it.

Which brings me to this course and why I think it’s special. I love possibilities and nothing says possibility to me quite like bringing people together who want to make. Rest assured I WILL revel in every creative detail of your existence. Your playlists, your likes/dislikes, your sketchbook or notepad, anything you’ve created or thought about creating.

I’m quite frankly a creative pest. I have a learning addiction and indulge in many artforms. As a performer I’ve trained in multiple improvisation forms including musical, acapella and playback theatre. My practice is a combination of autobiographical and collaborative elements.

I’m usually in a dance, art or poetry workshop or attending jams and spoken word nights. I run an art meet up alongside hosting for the Offline Club.  

My favourite colour is of course, electric blue and I’m a big fan of Taskmaster.