Vivien Sabel DPsych

I was was born in rural Lancashire, UK but have lived in Bristol, London and now reside in the countryside of North Yorkshire, UK. I was raised by a deaf mother and a hearing Scottish father.

As well as being an exhibiting artist, I am a Consultant Psychotherapist, an award-winning author, an award-nominated filmmaker, senior university lecturer, clinical researcher, model developer, and former British Sign Language Interpreter.

Art for me is as a form of therapeutic exploration, a visual diary and a way of processing imagery from life. My approach to painting is loose, free, forthright and unashamed. I love and embrace difference, and am passionate about vibrancy, authenticity and being fearless. My cultural background (my mother’s deafness) is ever present in my art, filmmaking and all of my creative endeavours. Art is created through reflection on mood, and is a way of considering raw expression without ambiguity. I believe cultural and embodied visuality are ever present in each of my creative expressions. I work mainly with acrylics and occasionally household goods! I love the look and feel of oils but I am inpatient! Art encourages me to explore and reflect without ambiguity. As a result of being nurtured with deafness, I feel words and speech are secondary forms of communication and visual expression is primary and embodied.