
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

BEGINNER ARTISTS

EARLY STAGE ARTISTS

MID CAREER ARTISTS

Beginner Creative Professional

Early Stage Creative Professional

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?

FIND YOUR ROOM WITH A VIEW
Set the conditions – time and space – to explore a practice that genuinely excites you.

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