Course Facilitators
She grew up in Brighton UK and studied Fine Art Painting at Bath Academy of Art and then went on to study Social Policy at The University of Brighton. She later completed a Humanistic Psychotherapy training and an MA and MFA in Photography.
Sian has published 3 monographs with Trolley Books. Looking for Alice was shortlisted for Paris – Aperture Best Book Award and shortlisted for the Kraszna – Krausz Foundation Book Award. She has been the recipient of numerous awards including Arnold Newman Award for New Directions in Portraiture, Prix Virginia Woman’s Photography Award, and the Eugene Smith Fellowship.
Siân’s photographs are included in private collections including The Science Museum, the Bodleian Collection, the French National Art Collection, The Guernsey Museum, The Martin Parr Collection and The National Portrait Gallery.
Fine Art Representation – Michael Hoppen Gallery, London.
Commercial Representation – Gildon.
Trayler-Smith began taking pictures during her time at King's College London studying for a Law degree, Self taught, and with a deep love for the creative adventure; her commitment to the practice has led to over 25 years of success in the industry.
She has worked for numerous prestigious publications, NGO’s and commercial clients, revealing the ordinary, the everyday, the anguish, the humility and extraordinary courage of those on the other side of her lens. Her ability to blend artistry with advocacy has garnered her several awards, including two prizes in the Taylor Wessing Portrait Prize and a World Press Photo Award.
In 2024, she published her first monograph Kiss it! with GOST books. Kiss it!, is the result of a long-term collaboration with Shannon, a young woman living with obesity. Over the course of 12-years, Trayler-Smith documented Shannon’s journey from teenager to adult. Shannon has been the central inspiration for Trayler-Smith’s long-term project, ‘The Big O’ focusing on obesity in school-age children and young adults. It is through this work, that Trayler-Smith has been able to deeply understand herself, and her own journey, from shame to self acceptance.
Trayler-Smith is also committed to teaching and mentoring, sharing her expertise and passion for visual storytelling.
Representation – Swerve.
Guest Facilitators
First studying as an Environmental Educator in North America, Tom developed his skills as a facilitator and trainer through working for leading organisations back in the UK. Tom worked for several years in a senior role with the Devon Outdoor Service developing outdoor programmes, managing outdoor centres, and delivering training. He currently holds a senior role in the organisation WildWise, designing and delivering restorative nature based mentorship programmes.
Tom is a qualified teacher, Forest School leader, Bushcraft Instructor and is an Accredited Practitioner of the Institute for Outdoor Learning. He has recently been awarded a master’s degree in education with distinction, also earning a distinction for his research into human-environment relationships and nature-based outdoor learning.
Her collaborative installation with artist Ben Sanderson, The Six Pillars of Modernism, was on show at Tate St.Ives 2017- 18, and Ella’s poems about the St Ives Modernists are currently on display at Tate St Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Museum & Garden. Her most recent book Goodlord, (Rough Trade Books, 2024) which takes the form of one long email to an estate agent, is shortlisted for The Forward Prize and the Sky Arts ‘Times Breakthrough’ Award.
Ella is a current Royal Literary Fund Fellow at the Courtauld Institute of Art and hosts ‘Tears for Frears’ on Soho Radio.
Her debut novel Little Boxes is published by The Borough Press. In 2023, Little Boxes was longlisted for The Authors Club Best First Novel Award.
She teaches creative writing in a number of settings.
Toby is a former UK National Poetry Slam Champion and winner of the Aurora Poetry Prize 2019. Toby has performed his poetry across the UK and around the world, from Glastonbury festival and the Royal Albert Hall to the South Korean National Assembly, and featured on shows including BBC Sunday Politics and The Arts Show with Jonathan Ross.
His debut play WRECK won the Fifth Word Theatre Award for Most Promising Playwright 2015 and his debut poetry collection. Through your blood, was nominated for the Polari First Book Prize. Director of the UK National University Poetry Slam and Summit and founder of the National Youth Poetry Showcase. Toby judged the Outspoken Poetry Prize 2023 and hosts a range of live literature events.