Meet the Artists
Heather Williams
I am a Deaf artist with ADHD, based in Cardiff, where I have an art studio and exhibition space with Hypha 111. In 2024, I participated in the Neurospicy exhibition at Cardiff Umbrella. I am still exploring my artistic niche, and I enjoy creating work that challenges perceptions of being a Deaf BSL user with ADHD.
Currently, I work as a freelancer with Our Visual World, Humans Move (an inclusive dance company), Chapter’s Deaf Gathering Cymru, and I have recently co-founded a nonprofit organisation, Deaf Gwdihŵ.
Clara Newman
I am a deaf maker from Bangor in north Wales. I am currently in my first year studying contemporary design crafts at Hereford College of Arts. I work in mixed media to create 3d forms. I am interested in materials and their possibilities. I enjoy experimenting. I hope to grow as a maker and work alongside other deaf creatives and learn about how we can grow and support each other.
I am a second year Arts student in Hereford.
Alex Miller
I’m currently a Textiles student at Arts University Plymouth (AUP), in my final year. I’ve been here for the past four years and am now preparing for the university show in a few months. It’s a daunting time, but I’m excited to be stepping into the professional world.
While at university, I’m also a Disability Representative, which involves ensuring a safe and supportive environment for disabled students and listening to their needs. Last year, the university nominated my work for the Global Challenge, and I was entered into the Creative Conscience Awards, where I won Bronze in 2023/2024.
I grew up in Newport and attended two boarding schools in England before going to college in Wales. These were challenging times, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
I’ve been with Our Visual World (OVW) for the past 18 months. OVW has trained me to deliver BSL tours and workshops. I consider myself an artist, primarily a fine artist, but my work is strongly linked to textiles.
Melissa Payne
I am Melissa Payne, a profoundly Deaf Artist. I grew up next to Three Cliffs Bay in beautiful Gower, an area of outstanding natural beauty. I am an Artist Maker, taking on commissioned work and creating many artworks including fine art, enamel, ceramics, stained glass and surface pattern design. My artworks are sold in galleries and fairs. My work is often organic in nature and through the pieces, I strive to communicate with the world through my Deaf identity that ouvres my sensorial journey by incorporating drawings feature.
Emily Rose
Emily is an Artist, a Mother and a Deaf woman. She wants to make stuff accessible… Is that too much to ask for in 2024?
Emily uses her raw emotions through mixed media, abstract art and videography exploring her wonderful chaotic journey of Motherhood, Life and Language Deprivation in the Deaf community. Based in Cardiff and the Vale.
Natasha Hirst
I am a freelance photographer and writer, working on issues around disability, equality and social justice shaped by my lived experience as a deaf woman and survivor of domestic abuse. My work crosses journalism and storytelling and I take a coproductive approach to working with communities to share the stories that matter to them.
I am an active trade unionist and the current president of the National Union of Journalists, and the chair of Disability Arts Cymru.