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ASSOCIATE COACH

THOMAS
GROVES

Thomas is an educator, artist, and mentor. His artistic expertise and psychoanalytic insights can help you (gently) break self-critical barriers along your creative journey.

THOMAS SPECIALISES IN

Application    Artist Statements    Confidence    Critical Thinking    Critique Curating    CV   Development of Practice    Exhibitions    Feedback
Mindset    Mental Health    Portfolio reviews    Production    Research
Self Esteem  Strategy    Stuck States    Social Media    Wellbeing

THOMAS SPECIALISES IN

Applications, Artist Statements , Confidence, Critical Thinking, Critique, Curating, CV, Development of Practice, Exhibitions, Feedback, Mindset , Mental Health, Portfolio reviews / Production / Research, Self Esteem, Strategy, Stuck States, Social Media, Wellbeing

THOMAS WORKS WITH

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BEGINNER ARTISTS

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EARLY STAGE ARTISTS

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MID CAREER ARTISTS

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Beginner Creative Professional

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Early Stage Creative Professional

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Mid Career Creative Professional

Lives & works in South London, UK

I am an educator, writer and art-maker. For the past decade, I’ve served as Head of a critical and contextual studies department at a leading London art school, working alongside a brilliant team of academics and artists. We are in essence a springboard for students studying art and craft, helping graduates and postgraduates from diverse backgrounds achieve creative, academic, and professional success beyond what they expect of themselves. I also teach photography to young people at an FE College and act as External Examiner for a BA (Hons) and a MA Fine Art course at Lasalle College of the Arts in Singapore. 

My working interest in psychoanalysis and interpersonal relationships influences my art practice. It began as a personal exploration, and I’ve now added two years of introductory training as a psychodynamic counsellor at WPF. I’ve also served as education coordinator at Block336, where I have shown artwork, conducted artist interviews, wrote essays and exhibition texts, organised events and expanded the reach of their charity work.

“I celebrate risk-taking and ambition, and believe both success and its opposites are powerful moments for learning.”

THOMAS' 3 TIPS FOR CREATIVES

START DIGGING

Uncover your core concerns, and what fuels them. Something personal? Conceptual? In the world around you? 

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FIND YOUR ROOM WITH A VIEW

Set the conditions – time and space –  to explore a practice that genuinely excites you. 

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INVEST YOUR NON-MAKING TIME 

Work on expanding the network of people you like and respect. They’re out there. 

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

THOMAS' COACHING EXPERIENCE

As an educator, I provide ongoing mentoring to people from different ages and from a range of backgrounds. From guiding undergraduate and post-graduate students through their creative practices and in their research and writing, to tutorials and lively discussions around the drives, contexts, and creative and critical aims of their work. Together, we set objectives and develop effective ways for them to think and write about their artwork. I’m pleased to continue to support several former students’ personal and professional growth.

As Head of Department, I also manage, coach and mentor new colleagues. I help them develop key skills, make a contribution of real impact, and feel a sense of belonging within the department.

As a practising artist, I understand first hand the self-critical nature that artists often possess, and have experience in helping them get out of the way of their own fulfilment. I also draw from my training as a psychodynamic psychotherapy counsellor to help us progress. What that may look like for you could be identifying conscious and unconscious barriers, then putting specific strategies in place to overcome them.

THOMAS' COACHING FEES

1 HOUR

SESSION

£135

4 HOUR

PACKAGE

£540

6 HOUR

PACKAGE

£810

8 HOUR

PACKAGE

£1080

12 HOUR

PACKAGE

£1620

*Prices are exclusive of VAT. VAT will be charged at 20% at time of payment.

* Clients must schedule a 1-hour strategy session with a coach or mentor before booking a package. 

BOOK a 1-hour strategy session with Thomas