Jeanni Grant-Nelson

Jeanni Grant-Nelson's unique method of teaching art has drawn interest from academics at Oxford University.

Artist to work with academics

Artist Jeanni Grant-Nelson is to work with neuroscientists from the University of Oxford to investigate how art can break established habits and patterns of behaviour and help people reassess aspects of their lives.

Jeanni (B.Ed 1978) already uses the techniques successfully as part of her courses for major companies through her art event company Visual Awareness.

She runs charity and team building days with groups up to 150 people and has worked at places including the Emirates Stadium and for organisations such as UK Sport, British Basketball and the Olympic Coaches. The events aim to breakdown habitual habits and negative patterns through artistic exploration. In essence the aim is to teach people new perspectives – both from a visual viewpoint and throughout their lives.

“It’s an art lesson but you start to reassess other parts of your life as well,” she explained. “It opens your mind to the realisation the thing that is trapping you is you. It can bring those taking part enormous freedom.”

This technique has drawn interest from academics at Oxford and she will be working with them later this summer.

Jeanni added: “My unique method of teaching also allows anyone to reach a clear understanding of the fundamentals of art in a very short space of time. These students can then produce amazing drawings and paintings in just a few hours.”

She has also been asked to provide a number of bespoke mini workshops for staff at Discovery Networks Europe in their London offices, which is also best known for the Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, DMAX and Shed in the UK.

Jeanni specialised in art, drama and dance whilst studying at St Lukes and used her teaching degree within a number of schools around the UK and in Australia.

Now based in Cornwall, Jeanni started working as a professional artist six years ago. Her work is on sale in Truro Cathedral, St Ives and St Mawes and she has had shows across the region. She also offers individual lessons and is Artist in Residence at the prestigious Nare Hotel in Veryan-in-Roseland.

To discover more visit her website www.visual-awareness.com

Date: 11 May 2012