About me
My name is Eleanor and I’m an artist, writer and educator.
My art combines narrative structures such as journalling and storytelling with ink, paint, pen and digital mediums. I write and perform poetry too, and my art is predominantly focused on the emotional healing process.
As a writer I explore the connections between earth, emotions and society, including our experience of the numinous and faith. I specialise in looking at contemporary social and business issues through an artistic, critical, anti-capitalist, pro-connection lens. I have been writing online through my blog and newsletter for ten years.
Since 2012 I have taught in higher education, and currently teach at Leeds Arts University in Fashion Marketing, MA Creative Practice and MA Graphic Design. I encourage radical discussion in these subjects, particularly on the topics of behavioural economics, business transparency and cultural homogeneity / heterogeneity and how these link to our planet, our feelings and our social structures.
“Art is not a mirror held up to reality, but a hammer with which to shape it.”
Bertholt Brecht
I am also an independent supervisor for artists and creatives looking to develop their work in imaginative and commercial new directions.
Over the course of six months or one year, I work with art-makers 1:1 through coaching, providing creative critique and developing their business wisdom so they have the confidence and acumen they need to share their practice with the world.
I have also created an open enrolment course for creatives called root&branch, which uses nature as a tool for personal leadership. Learn more here.
My purpose on the planet is to bring more art into this world, so if you are looking for deeper support to re-imagine your practice and re-invigorate your sense of self-confidence, get in touch.
Before this career I worked as a copywriter, marketer and communications specialist full time in marketing agencies and then in my own business.
My clients included NatWest, TSB, ASDA, New Look, Marks & Spencer, Unilever, EDF, Redcats, Shop Direct and independent photographers, stylists, textile designers, artists, massage therapists and writers.
I have a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, BA (Hons) Design and Applied Arts and MA History of Art (Distinction). I am a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) and a certified coach with foundation training in Non Violent Communication.
Below you can find a list of my varied educational experiences and vocational achievements, each one of which has added to the rich toolkit I carry round with me in my work as an artist, writer and educator.
Foundation Diploma in Art and Design
BA (Hons) Design and Applied Arts, 2:1
MA History of Art, Distinction
Fellow of Higher Education Academy
Introduction to Herbalism 10 week course
Introduction to Shamanic Journeying 2 day intensive
Silversmithing 10 week course
Creative Lead and Content Writer in agency (’11-’12)
Comms Specialist and Copywriter in agency (’12-’15)
Visiting Lecturer London College of Fashion’s Centre for Sustainable Fashion (’17)
Teaching Fellow University of Leeds (’13-’18)
Self-employment in brand, communication and marketing (’15-’19)
Senior Lecturer Leeds Arts University (’20 – )
Researcher in intersection of education, art and sustainability
Conference presentations in Milan, Stockholm, London and New York
Published in Textile: Journal of Cloth and Culture Vol 12 Issue 3 (’14)
Creator of employment programme grounded in ‘ikigai’ (’16)
Keynote speaker University of Leeds Design Futures (’19)
Speaker Pebble Magazine Future Fest (’20)
Two month self-funded solo sabbatical around Asia (’14)
Lived and worked in Colombia, Canada and US (’19)
Awarded Best Specialist Blog at Blog North (’12)
Finalist ModeConnect International Fashion Writing (’14)
Nomination: University of Leeds Partnership Award for Innovation (’18)
Creator and curator of Sex Tapes, a night of sex positive spoken word (’19)
Category winner Venoor Poetry in Design (’19)
READ
I’ve been writing online for about ten years, and my blog is full of big, new and creative ideas to inspire you.
Connect
The social media platform I’m most active on is LinkedIn – reach out to connect with me there and see regular posts.
SUBSCRIBE
Outside the Lines is my Substack newsletter on art, Earth, emotions and society.
I live in Leeds, UK, with my lovely partner, a lot of books and an abundant vegetable patch.
I welcome conversations, collaborations, work requests and opportunities. Email me: hello@eleanorsnare.com.
“Great artists make the roads; good teachers and good companions can point them out.”
Ursula K. Le Guin