In 2001 I traveled to Mozambique in South East Africa to see a solar eclipse and to study Portuguese. On seeing this astounding astrological event I was moved to think of my place in the world, my path, and what I was doing with my life. Mozambique is on of the poorest countries in the world, it didn't take long for me to realize that there are so many ways in which I am so lucky, and so many people are in need. I decided that I was going to help, by sharing my skills as an Artist, but I had no idea how, or with who, or if it was even relevant to people who need so many other more practical things.

The universe intervened and led me to a mission of Capuchin Brothers, in the tiny town of Quelimane, in the north of Zambezia Province. Miraculously they had a clay workshop. We made a date for six months later when I would return and work with the homeless and orphaned children who came there for free food. I had no idea how I would get back, where I would get the money, or even if I could teach, as my Portuguese is not that great. It was just plain crazy, but it felt like the right thing to do.

My friends and family in England encouraged me by suggesting that I have a fundraising event, and sell my work and the work other Artists donated to me. Ruby's Clay Studio is an incredibly supportive family and they too encouraged me, by giving me the gallery space and time and donating work, ceramic and art materials with which to return to Mozambique. The event provided enough income for me to return and stay for 3 months.

This experience completely changed the direction of my life and work.

At first I would sit in my mosquito infested shack at night wondering what the hell I was doing there, I'm sure they were thinking the same thing, but after my first month it became apparent that I was dealing with an issue far deeper than I had imagined. These children have no idea of their potential, no self esteem, no understanding of their place in the world, they are disconnected from their creative spirit because of their need to struggle and survive the harsh realities of poverty, hunger and war. I saw the need for these children to be encouraged and empowered and given an opportunity to be expressive outside the usual forms of education. I wanted to encourage exploration and imagination. Most importantly I wanted the children to gain confidence to create a positive vision for their future; and a new understanding of what is possible.

We used traditional African methods of working with clay and took inspiration from the Mozambican Art of the Maconde peoples, to create sculptures and masks. Some of these children had never held a pen in their hands. None of them were able to read or write. By the end my 3month stay in Mozambique, I had decided to return and build a Community Art Center, as a way to continue with a vision to provide a space for collaborative and creative expression. As a ceramic artist I was excited about building with Earth, using traditional forms of architecture and building with Earth enables use of materials that are more environmentally sound, readily available and less expensive. Working this way also reinforces to the children, that there is much to be proud of in the history and heritage of their culture; and to emphasize the validity of traditional techniques. Most importantly I wanted the children to be involved in the construction of their own creative space.

The goal is to empower the children, by giving them an opportunity to be expressive and build together, for a more conscious future in which every individual has an opportunity to contribute for the benefit of the whole.

I hope to restore to these children a pride in their own cultural heritage, and a belief that they have the power to manifest what they want in the world.