Alexandra Brophy-Kendal

Artist, Educator & Holistic Creative Practitioner

"I have never expected people to adapt to my way of working; instead, I adapt my approach to the individual."

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Based in Yorkshire, UK

For over 25 years I have designed and led creative, person-centred practice across specialist SEND education, community arts, further education, youth justice and holistic wellbeing, designing inclusive, person-centred experiences that enable children, young people and adults to express themselves, build confidence and reconnect with their own potential.

Alongside my work as an educator, I have maintained an active artistic practice while developing nature-based approaches through breathwork, forest bathing and eco-therapy, recognising the profound relationship between creativity, nature and wellbeing.

My practice sits at the intersection of contemporary art, education and nature-based wellbeing. Whether working in the studio, facilitating community projects or guiding people through creative and restorative experiences in nature, my work is rooted in the belief that creativity can help us reconnect with ourselves, each other and the living world.

A Bit About Me

Professional Highlights

Founder & Director, Elixir Soul Medicine – Established and lead a holistic creative wellbeing practice, providing 1:1 coaching and group facilitation through breathwork, Reiki, eco-therapy and nature-based practices.
Practising Mixed-Media Artist – Creating and exhibiting contemporary mixed-media artwork exploring identity, nature, symbolism and transformation.
25+ Years in Education, Community Arts & Creative Practice– Extensive experience across specialist SEND education, further education, community arts and creative facilitation.
Art Department Lead – Led the Art Department within a specialist SEND school, designing inclusive, person-centred creative learning experiences.
Course Lead – Bradford College SEND – Led the curriculum and provision for 60–80 learners with SEND over seven years, managing staff, curriculum development and multi-agency collaboration.
Founder & Director, ARTicul8 – Established and managed a community arts organisation delivering creative wellbeing projects in partnership with Barnardo's, Youth Offending Teams, the Human Rights Commission and local agencies.
Community Arts Practitioner – Designed and delivered inclusive arts projects that promoted confidence, participation, belonging and self-expression across diverse communities.
Qualified Artist & Educator – BA (Hons) Fine Art, PGDip Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector and PGDip Teaching Learners with SEND.

Why art & nature-based learning & therapeutic models?

Professional Practice Introduction

My career has always been driven by one belief: that creativity and connection with the natural world can help people discover confidence, resilience and a deeper sense of self. After completing my BA (Hons) Fine Art in 2005 as a mature student and single mother, I realised I wanted to use art not simply as a subject to teach, but as a catalyst for personal growth, healing and transformation.

For more than 25 years, I have worked across specialist SEND education, further education, community arts, youth justice and creative wellbeing, designing person-centred experiences that enable people to express themselves, build confidence and recognise their own potential. Alongside my work as an educator, I have maintained an active artistic practice while developing nature-based and holistic approaches through breathwork, forest bathing and eco-therapy, recognising the powerful relationship between creativity, nature and wellbeing.

My own journey as an artist has profoundly shaped my approach. For many years I felt like an imposter because I wasn't a traditional painter or draughtsperson like my mother and grandfather. As a student with two young children and very little money, I couldn't afford expensive art materials, so I learned to create with reclaimed objects, discarded materials and whatever I could find. What once felt like a limitation became my greatest strength. It taught me that creativity isn't about technical perfection; it's about curiosity, resourcefulness and discovering your own unique way of seeing the world.

That philosophy has shaped every aspect of my practice. I have never expected people to adapt to my way of working; instead, I adapt my approach to the individual. Whether working with children with SEND, vulnerable young people, community groups or adults seeking wellbeing through creativity and nature, I create inclusive, person-centred experiences that honour individual strengths, communication styles and ways of engaging. I believe everyone deserves the opportunity to feel capable, connected and creative.

Work Experience

Bradford Art College

My journey as an artist began with a Foundation Degree in Art & Design, which led me on to a BA (Hons) Fine Art, graduating with a 2:1. Specialising in printmaking, painting and sculpture, I developed a love of layered storytelling and mixed-media experimentation that continues to influence my work today.

I completed my studies as a single mother, raising three children alongside my degree. Art became a family affair, with my children growing up surrounded by sketchbooks, studio spaces and creative projects, often becoming part of the journey themselves.

Bradford College of Education

After completing my Fine Art degree, I trained as a teacher and spent over twenty-five years working in education. I was always drawn to the students others found difficult to reach—the rebels, the misfits, the creative thinkers and those navigating challenges of their own.

I found immense joy in helping young people discover their strengths, build confidence and reconnect with their potential. Those experiences taught me as much as any qualification ever could, and they continue to shape both my creative work and my belief in the transformative power of self-expression.

ARTicul8 – Creative Facilitator & Director

I founded and ran ARTicul8 for four years, delivering creative wellbeing projects for young people who were often considered hard to reach.

Working alongside the Youth Offending Team, Youth Service and Human Rights Commission, I used art as a vehicle for connection, confidence-building and self-expression. Through collaborative projects, young people were given opportunities to explore their identities, develop new skills and discover strengths they may not have recognised in themselves.

At its heart, ARTicul8 was about creating safe, creative spaces where young people could be heard, valued and empowered.

Small World Art Project – Community Arts Facilitator

I worked with women from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds to develop community-based arts projects that promoted inclusion, participation and social connection.

In partnership with local authorities, I facilitated creative activities that encouraged women to engage with local events, share experiences and celebrate the diversity of their communities. The project reinforced my belief in the ability of art to bring people together, build confidence and create a sense of belonging.

Art Department Lead – Specialist Educational Needs School

As Art Department Lead within a specialist school setting, I developed and delivered creative learning opportunities for young people with a wide range of additional needs and disabilities.

I was passionate about making art accessible to all learners, creating an environment where creativity could build confidence, communication, self-expression and independence. Through a broad range of projects and exhibitions, I encouraged students to explore their talents, develop new skills and experience the pride that comes from sharing their work with others.

This role reinforced my belief that creativity is not a luxury but a powerful tool for empowerment, wellbeing and personal growth.