meet anika
Hi, I'm Anika,
founder of The Art of You
and an Expressive Art Workshop Facilitator.
Hi, I’m Anika, founder of The Art of You and an Expressive Art Workshop Facilitator.
I create welcoming, process-led art workshops for adults, children and families across Surrey and West London. My sessions help people explore their creativity, experiment with different materials and enjoy making art without the pressure of getting it right.
My approach has been shaped by my training in art therapy and expressive arts. I have completed an Art Therapy Practitioner Certificate and attended the Art Psychotherapy Summer School at the University of Roehampton. This learning informs how I structure sessions, create supportive environments and encourage reflection through creativity.
I am not a qualified art therapist, and The Art of You workshops are not art therapy. They are creative, educational and wellbeing-focused experiences informed by expressive art principles.
The Art of You grew from my belief that creativity should feel accessible to everyone. Whether someone creates regularly or hasn’t picked up a paintbrush since school, they deserve the opportunity to explore art in an encouraging and inclusive space.
What is expressive art?
Expressive art focuses on the experience of creating, rather than measuring success by the finished result.
It encourages curiosity, experimentation and personal expression. Through painting, collage, mixed media and other creative activities, participants can explore ideas and respond to materials in their own way.
My workshops provide enough guidance to help people feel confident, while leaving space for individual choices. Participants might begin with the same theme or technique, yet each finished piece reflects the person who created it.
There is no expectation to copy perfectly or produce art that looks a particular way.
Why does it matter?
Many people stop creating because they begin to believe they are not artistic or that their work is not good enough.
Expressive art offers a different experience. It gives people space to slow down, become absorbed in the present moment and make choices without searching for one correct answer.
For children, this can support creative confidence, independence and exploration. For families, creating together can offer a meaningful way to connect. For adults, it can provide time away from everyday responsibilities and an opportunity to return to a part of themselves they may have neglected.
Creativity is not reserved for artists.
It is a way of exploring, connecting and expressing ourselves. When people are given structure, encouragement and freedom, creativity can become a valuable part of everyday wellbeing.
Enquire about working together.