Penny A
Penny is an interdisciplinary artist who has developed arts, photography and film-based projects often with or for other 'mad' people that aim to give insight, share experiences or question people’s perceptions of normality. Past projects include a film project Insight in Mind (2000) which was on Channel 4 in 2002 and a short film performance encounter at Bonkersfest (2008). In 2006 Penny was part of a larger group of volunteers who set up an out of hours project All Ours for people who want to connect with others. Penny currently works at Making waves on projects which aim to improve mental health services, help people share their voice or challenge people's perceptions of mental distress. Two of her current projects involve developing peer support training courses and a new film project around well-being and recovery.
Penny has always loved both dancing and running. Penny has found exercise to be of vital importance in her own recovery from mental distress and has found running in particular a great outlet for her energies. When she gave up smoking about 7 years ago, she began to find pleasure in running again since enjoying long distance running in her youth.
"I have fond yet embarrassing memories of developing my own dance to the musical Fame which included a hand spring (somersault) and doing the complete dance at school disco's. I have always had a passion for dancing in an energetic, whirling, spinning, feet jumping way and love to lose myself in the music and simply let go."
Penny Arnold
Penny has always loved both dancing and running. Penny has found exercise to be of vital importance in her own recovery from mental distress and has found running in particular a great outlet for her energies. When she gave up smoking about 7 years ago, she began to find pleasure in running again since enjoying long distance running in her youth.
"I have fond yet embarrassing memories of developing my own dance to the musical Fame which included a hand spring (somersault) and doing the complete dance at school disco's. I have always had a passion for dancing in an energetic, whirling, spinning, feet jumping way and love to lose myself in the music and simply let go."
Penny Arnold
Usha M
Usha is an interdisciplinary artist. She feels passionately that intelligence is not just in the head but involves our whole wonderful selves. Her own journey has taken her from training in visual arts to movement. She brings together her knowledge of both fields and responds to the “life” of projects she is involved in, in imaginative ways. These have been diverse and varied: environmental, health, education and public commissions. She is deeply interested in the development of "spaces" that support our physical, emotional and creative well-being.
In 2002 she was nominated Nottinghamshire Environmentalist of the year and was given the Green Guardians award her film Heaven on Earth. She is currently working at Robinhood Primary School as consultant and facilitator on an exciting treehouse project.
Usha has always loved moving and making. At school- sports,dance and art saved the day - a breathing space to find herself, these were the lessons she most looked forward to!!
Usha also practices meditation and appreciates the balance restfulness and reflectiveness brings to the action and energy in her life.
"I can't remember steps so well (may be it's my dyslexia) but I simply love to move and can't let a good rhythm pass me by.
When Kate Bush hit the sound waves and tv screens it made such an impression on me. When ever I could, I'd take over the living room and move freely to my hearts content on the wild and windy moors!"
Usha Mahenthiralingam
In 2002 she was nominated Nottinghamshire Environmentalist of the year and was given the Green Guardians award her film Heaven on Earth. She is currently working at Robinhood Primary School as consultant and facilitator on an exciting treehouse project.
Usha has always loved moving and making. At school- sports,dance and art saved the day - a breathing space to find herself, these were the lessons she most looked forward to!!
Usha also practices meditation and appreciates the balance restfulness and reflectiveness brings to the action and energy in her life.
"I can't remember steps so well (may be it's my dyslexia) but I simply love to move and can't let a good rhythm pass me by.
When Kate Bush hit the sound waves and tv screens it made such an impression on me. When ever I could, I'd take over the living room and move freely to my hearts content on the wild and windy moors!"
Usha Mahenthiralingam
