About
Painter&Storyteller
Coventry-based contemporary artist using narrative portraiture to give voice to untold stories — exploring emotional lives, trauma, resilience and recovery through paint.
Coventry, United Kingdom · PhD Candidate
The Twisted Rose · 2018–19
Artistic Profile
A practice of dialogic witnessing
For the past eight years, my practice has involved extensive collaboration with survivors of trauma and individuals facing mental health challenges. I use art to break down barriers, foster empathy, and initiate vital conversations about difficult subjects through a methodology of "dialogic witnessing" — one-to-one dialogues that become paintings.
My work centres on narrative portraiture: paintings that hold space for the sitter's story while inviting the viewer into a deeper human encounter. Each work begins with listening, often with people whose experiences are rarely represented in galleries.
Alongside my studio practice, I am a PhD candidate exploring how art provides insight into the lived experience of trauma — and I lecture on trauma-informed, art-based approaches to mental health education.
Education
A path from earth sciences to paint
2026–
PhD Candidate (PhD by Portfolio)
Faculty of Business and Creative Industries, University of South Wales. Research focus: How art provides insight into the lived experience of trauma.
2017
MA Painting
Coventry University, School of Art & Design.
1985
BSc Geology
Durham University.
Artistic Milestones & Key Projects
Art as a space for difficult conversations
2025
Being Seen — Live exhibitions & events
Exhibitions and a public event at Coventry Cathedral; exhibitions at Lewisham Arthouse; virtual gallery hosted by ArtCan.org.
2025
Everyturn — Talking Therapies Commission
Commissioned by Everyturn (Nottinghamshire Talking Therapies) to run workshops and create artwork evoking the therapeutic journey from anxiety and depression. Pieces displayed in NHS waiting rooms across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.
2024
Being Seen — Series & IMH Exhibition
Series of paintings based on one-to-one dialogues with trauma survivors, supported by With-you peer support and DayOne Trauma Support. Exhibition and public event at the IMH.
2023
Inside Out: Portraits of Emotional Resilience
Commissioned by University of Nottingham and Nottingham CVS. Exhibited at City Arts and on campus.
2023
Immersive learning environment — NTU
Created for Nottingham Trent University featuring art and testimony. In ongoing use biannually for mental health nurse training.
2020–22
Portraits of Coventry
Funded by Orbit Housing as part of City of Culture. Exhibitions at Coventry Cathedral, The Arcadia Gallery, and The LTB Showroom.
2020
Portraits of Isolation
Collaborative project with With-you and Framework Housing Charity; virtual exhibition and live-streamed panel discussion during lockdown.
2018–19
The Twisted Rose and Other Lives
Funded by Arts Council England (ACE) and the IMH, in collaboration with various mental health organisations. Exhibitions in Nottingham, London, Coventry, Lancaster, and Newcastle.
2014–17
Lost Generation
WWI Centenary school collaborations. Funded by ACE & various trusts. Exhibitions in Leeds, Leamington, Burton, Stafford, Clitheroe, Newcastle, and Lancaster.
Selected Exhibitions
From cathedral commissions to international group shows
2025
Being Seen
IMH Nottingham · Coventry Cathedral · Lewisham Arthouse · ArtCan Virtual Gallery
2024
Being Seen
Institute of Mental Health, Nottingham — one-to-one dialogues with trauma survivors, supported by With-you and DayOne Trauma Support
2023
Inside Out: Portraits of Emotional Resilience
Indian Community Centre Association · University of Nottingham · City Arts (funded by Nottingham CVS and the University)
2020–22
Portraits of Coventry
Coventry Cathedral · The Arcadia Gallery · The LTB Showroom (funded by Orbit Housing, City of Culture)
2020
Portraits of Isolation
Virtual exhibition & live-streamed panel discussion with With-you and Framework Housing Charity
2022
Vienna Calling III
Galerie Art Pool, Vienna — Group Show
2018–19
The Twisted Rose and Other Lives
Nottingham · London · Coventry · Lancaster · Newcastle (funded by ACE and the IMH)
2018
FLUX Exhibition
Chelsea College of Art, London — Group Show
2018
Behind the Smile
Banks Mill Studios, Derby — Group Show
2016
Wells Art Contemporary
Bishops Palace, Wells — Group Show
2014–17
Lost Generation
WW1 Centenary collaborations with schools. Funded by ACE, The Grimmit Trust, Cockburn School Leeds, Staffordshire & Lancashire County Councils. Exhibitions in Burton, Leamington, Stafford, Clitheroe, Newcastle, Batley.
2012
Rhythms in Motion
Gallery 150, Leamington Spa — Solo Show
2011
The Space Between
Gallery 150, Leamington Spa — Solo Show
Awards & Recognition
Recognition for practice, teaching and research
2026
Paintings licensed for Mental Health First Aid Australia
Seven paintings included in MHFAA's new training programme.
2025
IMH Publication Award
Excellence in communicating research to the public.
2025
Herbert Open — Highly Commended
For the painting "Who They See."
2025
Commissioned by Coventry Cathedral
Portrait of the retiring Dean, John Witcomb — permanent display.
2024
Student Nursing Times Awards — Shortlisted
"Teaching Innovation of the Year" for Behind the Creative Canvas (NTU).
2018
Ashurst Emerging Artist Prize — Runner-up
2014 · 2018 · 2020
Arts Council England (ACE) — Project Funding
1994 · 1996 · 2004
WPP Atticus Awards — Winner
Best original published thinking on advertising, marketing, business and society.
Public Collections
Work held in permanent collections at leading institutions
The Response
Acquired for permanent display by the Lord Mayor of Newcastle.
Twisted Rose
Licensed by Nottingham Trent University.
Portrait of Dean John Witcomb
Permanent display, Coventry Cathedral.
Seven paintings (Being Seen & related)
Licensed for use by Mental Health First Aid Australia.
Publications
Writing on art, trauma and brand research
[01]
Milasan, L.H., Farr, A., Turnbull, I., & Scott-Purdy, D. (2024). Behind the Creative Canvas: An innovative trauma-informed art-based educational approach using an immersive learning pedagogy. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing.
[02]
Farr, Andy. (2019). A Picture Tells a Thousand Words: Painting PTSD. The Polyphony.
[03]
Farr, A., & Hollis, N. (1997). What Do You Want Your Brand to Be When It Grows Up: Big and Strong? Journal of Advertising Research.
[04]
Dyson, P., Farr, A., & Hollis, N. S. (1996). Understanding, Measuring, and Using Brand Equity. Journal of Advertising Research.
Professional Experience
Twenty-five years in research, then a turn to paint
2010 — Present
Self-Employed Artist
Independent practice as a painter and storyteller, collaborating with trauma survivors and mental health organisations.
2006 — 2010
Leader, Business Planning Development
Mindshare Worldwide — global full-service media & branding agency.
2004 — 2006
Executive Director
Millward Brown Optimor — research & brand consultancy.
1985 — 2004
Millward Brown Market Research
Head of R&D from 1998. Progressed through research roles, culminating in leadership of research and development for market insights.
Working Together
Let's create something
meaningful together
I'm always open to conversations about commissions, exhibitions, lectures, collaborations with galleries, universities, charities, and community organisations.
Get in Touch