Artist Statement Based within the city of Wolverhampton in the West Midlands, this artist uses the experiences of exploration to create abstract mixed media collages and photographic images observing the disruption of the city and its patterns of nature. Focussing on psychogeography and the practice of the dérive, the artist undertakes the physical act of ‘walking with no purpose’ allowing the mind and body to become integrated with the environment all the time considering the emotions, perception and memories evoked whilst experiencing a place or space. The beauty of nature becomes apparent along these dérives, carrying its many patterns amongst the dysfunctional urban environment, layered by the confusion of lines that segment the territories of today’s society. A perception of observation that links memory to experiences. How can the environment be a factor of the behaviours of people? With a view of destruction and the patterns that go unseen by the norm, the artist presents the photographic manipulation of images questioning if there is beauty alike that of nature within manmade interference and abandonment. What, if anything, is not actually broken? Can something that is broken still be perceived as beautiful? As an arts educator and facilitator this artist has an interest and vast experiences of community work in Wolverhampton City, specifically with vulnerable youth and families. Concentrating on the behaviours of young people within their environment at this point questioning if the process of the dérive could support their wellbeing, creating a new form of socially engaged practice aiming at the collaboration of community. Somewhat an informal protest hoping to bring about a positive change of behaviours within some of the most vulnerable in society, this practice, in turn, will guide the negative perceptions of the masses and ultimately aim to bring people together to be a part of the change, to empower the youth to speak out about their experiences, memories and perceptions of their world and what they can do to build a brighter future for further generations to come.