Alexandra Brophy-Kendal

Artist, Educator & Holistic Creative Practitioner

"I have never expected people to adapt to my way of working; instead, I adapt my approach to the individual."

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Based in Yorkshire, UK

For over 25 years I have designed and led creative, person-centred practice across specialist SEND education, community arts, further education, youth justice and holistic wellbeing, designing inclusive, person-centred experiences that enable children, young people and adults to express themselves, build confidence and reconnect with their own potential.

Alongside my work as an educator, I have maintained an active artistic practice while developing nature-based approaches through breathwork, forest bathing and eco-therapy, recognising the profound relationship between creativity, nature and wellbeing.

My practice sits at the intersection of contemporary art, education and nature-based wellbeing. Whether working in the studio, facilitating community projects or guiding people through creative and restorative experiences in nature, my work is rooted in the belief that creativity can help us reconnect with ourselves, each other and the living world.

A Bit About Me

Professional Highlights

Founder & Director, Elixir Soul Medicine – Established and lead a holistic creative wellbeing practice, providing 1:1 coaching and group facilitation through breathwork, Reiki, eco-therapy and nature-based practices.
Practising Mixed-Media Artist – Creating and exhibiting contemporary mixed-media artwork exploring identity, nature, symbolism and transformation.
25+ Years in Education, Community Arts & Creative Practice– Extensive experience across specialist SEND education, further education, community arts and creative facilitation.
Art Department Lead – Led the Art Department within a specialist SEND school, designing inclusive, person-centred creative learning experiences.
Course Lead – Bradford College SEND – Led the curriculum and provision for 60–80 learners with SEND over seven years, managing staff, curriculum development and multi-agency collaboration.
Founder & Director, ARTicul8 – Established and managed a community arts organisation delivering creative wellbeing projects in partnership with Barnardo's, Youth Offending Teams, the Human Rights Commission and local agencies.
Community Arts Practitioner – Designed and delivered inclusive arts projects that promoted confidence, participation, belonging and self-expression across diverse communities.
Qualified Artist & Educator – BA (Hons) Fine Art, PGDip Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector and PGDip Teaching Learners with SEND.

Why art & nature-based learning & therapeutic models?

Professional Practice Introduction

My career has always been driven by one belief: that creativity and connection with the natural world can help people discover confidence, resilience and a deeper sense of self. After completing my BA (Hons) Fine Art in 2005 as a mature student and single mother, I realised I wanted to use art not simply as a subject to teach, but as a catalyst for personal growth, healing and transformation.

For more than 25 years, I have worked across specialist SEND education, further education, community arts, youth justice and creative wellbeing, designing person-centred experiences that enable people to express themselves, build confidence and recognise their own potential. Alongside my work as an educator, I have maintained an active artistic practice while developing nature-based and holistic approaches through breathwork, forest bathing and eco-therapy, recognising the powerful relationship between creativity, nature and wellbeing.

My own journey as an artist has profoundly shaped my approach. For many years I felt like an imposter because I wasn't a traditional painter or draughtsperson like my mother and grandfather. As a student with two young children and very little money, I couldn't afford expensive art materials, so I learned to create with reclaimed objects, discarded materials and whatever I could find. What once felt like a limitation became my greatest strength. It taught me that creativity isn't about technical perfection; it's about curiosity, resourcefulness and discovering your own unique way of seeing the world.

That philosophy has shaped every aspect of my practice. I have never expected people to adapt to my way of working; instead, I adapt my approach to the individual. Whether working with children with SEND, vulnerable young people, community groups or adults seeking wellbeing through creativity and nature, I create inclusive, person-centred experiences that honour individual strengths, communication styles and ways of engaging. I believe everyone deserves the opportunity to feel capable, connected and creative.