Approaches to Creative Learning
Working with young people and having children of her own has proven to Ruth that questioning leads to greater understanding and not to accept everything at face value. It is good to be curious, to interrogate and to be inquisitive and to pass on experiences improving the life chances of young people. A more rewarding and fulfilling life can be achieved through questioning, having opening minds, being free-thinking and not confined by tradition.
By imparting her first hand experience in an enthusiastic and pleasurable way, participants engage with Ruth and feed from her experiences and in turn develop their skills and creativity. Inspiring young people to encourage them to think laterally, creatively and to develop skills they may not have considered or even thought achievable. Ruth's children have given her a hands-on insight into the education environment, which has enabled an appreciation of different learning styles and how rewarding it is to encourage the development of their curiosity and learning.
Ruth's experience is that certain processes can lead to the most exciting and unusual thoughts and ideas. To enable the imagination Ruth likes to look to at ‘triggers’ such as artists, designers, magazines, exhibitions, the environment etc. Colours, type-faces, textures, space, shapes, styles put together to inspire creative learning. This can develop into an exciting idea or vision.
Creative Professional Biography
After a Foundation Course at Rochester College of Art and having obtained a BA Hons Graphic Design specialising in Information Design which focuses on typography, readability and understanding, Ruth’s ongoing practice in the design industry is varied and extensive. She has worked with large corporations and small to medium enterprises, leading design teams and working individually. She empowered and helped in the development of young creatives during her career as Art Director and Art Editor. She also briefed and demonstrated processes and methods to achieve successful results. Furthermore, facing clients in presenting and selling design solutions.
Ruth runs her own design business, has chaired for her children’s Parent Teacher Association and has leading roles in various networking groups. She volunteers for a local allotment project having achieved the RHS Level 2 certificate in Horticulture. Helping the local community to become engaged with planting, growing and eating local fresh produce, this project gives Ruth the valuable opportunity to work with young people with learning difficulties and people who are deprived of an understanding of nature and the opportunity of growing vegetables in a safe environment.
Ruth enjoys the challenge of project managing, and interacting positively with people. She thrives on new projects and the demands they produce, and performs all tasks to the highest standard.