Hi, I’m Almudena
Multidisciplinary artist • tattooist • mental health advocate • counsellor in training
In 2019 I graduated from The Glasgow School of Art, during this difficult transition I decided to come home to Northumberland where I could focus on my art and creating a business for myself.
During my time at university, I had the opportunity to work with Project Ability, an organization that creates a space for people living with mental ill health and disabilities, to explore and make art. It was a deeply formative experience that showed me the importance of art and creativity in improving mental health and well-being. I made many wonderful friendships there, the teachers and technicians excel at creating positive dialogues and a safe space to talk openly about mental health and other issues.
Since being in Northumberland, I have found Chilli studios in Newcastle. A very similar origination and I have continued to create and make where art and creativity are improving mental health and wellness.
I had always had an interest in art, art therapy, and mental health. After experiencing family and friends suffering through not receiving the right support and experiencing my first panic attack in 2019 I started my own healing journey. In 2020 I began to go to counselling myself, during this period it ignited an interest in counselling. I had always been told id make a good counsellor but never gave it much thought. But during that year I enrolled in a counselling course and it has truly been an eye-opening experience for me. Receiving and studying counselling really gave me a wide perspective of counselling as well as gaining a better understanding of people and myself. I currently hold a Level 3 certificate in counselling studies and hope to continue my training in the near future. But as someone who is dyslexic, I have always struggled with the academic side of studying as well as never receiving the right support which has put me off furthering my education.
Art has helped me explore all these issues and has given me a voice. It has provided me with space to explore emotions as well as a tool to help me heal. I create my art for myself and also for other people. To make people think, feel and create conversation. I hope people can connect with my art and feel comforted and to feel heard and seen. I hope my work, in whatever small way, can help make a difference.
I want to say a special thank you to the friends I have made so far, particually through university. You all help shape me into the person I am today. I really cherish you all.
“My work is influenced by the injustices in the world. It raises awareness of these injustices as well as advocates mental health and the importance of self-care. ”
Dear mum,
I’m very fortunate to have a very supportive family, especially my mum who is an artist herself. As someone who grew up in a generation where being an artist wasn’t seen as a ‘proper job’, the hardship she experienced made it easier for me to follow the path as an artist. She has taught me everything I know as an artist as well as teaching me to be kind, compassionate, strong, and powerful. She has helped me become the person I am today. She has supported, nourished, and given me space to feel without judgment. I have so much love for this strong woman.
and I am truly thankful to you.
“‘Art can reach deeper than words could ever explain’ - my therapist”
Some of my main sources of inspiration are performative and conceptual artists, illustrators, and painters. Maria Abramovic is fearless in her work; exploring the body, endurance, feminist art, the relationship between performer and audience, the limits of the body, and the possibilities of the mind.
I also adore artists like Ana Mendieta, Judy Chicago, Louise Bourgeois, and Carolee Schneemann - all extraordinary women never afraid to push the boundaries of art and life.
An illustrator I constantly look to is Lottie Evans. Her work is so beautiful, simple, and gentle with a strong style. Like me, she is also a tattooist and I have loved seeing how she has developed over the years, her work has expanded onto ceramics and clothing - she’s very inspiring.
Other big influences are artists Grayson Perry, Picasso, and Petra Borner.
If you’ve read this far, then also know that I love working with other creatives and am always up for collaborative projects. This can be in graphic design, photography, film, art, fashion - anything really. There’s something very powerful that comes from creating something together, plus it always seems to be a way to have a boat load of fun!
So, please have a look around my shop and portfolio, follow me on Instagram and if you’ve any questions do get in touch.
