Vivienne is an art educator working at the intersection of art, ecology, and the Maria Montessori philosophy. Trained in the AMI adolescent-orientation Montessori practice, and the AMS ‘Sustainability in the classroom’ course she developed a full curriculum for teaching sustainability through art — grounded in the Montessori story of the interconnectedness of all things, and in the belief that creative practice can help young people build happier, more grounded lives while contributing positively to their communities and the planet.

For two years, Vivienne led the development of a sustainable art syllabus for the adolescent programme at the Exemplar London AMI Maria Montessori school — hands-on, experiential learning that builds a lasting connection to the natural world linked to the UN SDG’s (United Nation - Sustainable Develoment Goals). She developed a system to enable her students to communicate climate issues with confidence, and, through a variety of art techniques, art history, and creative thinking, grow a personal library of knowledge for how to care for the world through an art perspective.

There are currently five core Workshops for adults

Japanese Ink & the 72 Microseasons Sumi-e with traditional Japanese paper, ink and brushes. Participants learn Japanese sumi-e techniques, painting plants inspired by the 72 Japanese micro-seasons.

Future Foods Exploring what and how we eat through drawing and painting, connecting food systems, land, and imagination.

Asemic Writing Mark-making and ensō painting with sumi-e (Japanese ink) freed from fixed meaning — an intuitive, experimental practice that opens up personal and expressive ways of responding to our connection to the natural world.

Edible Flowers A close study of flowering edible plants to build an embodied understanding of ecological interdependence.

Pollinators Drawing and painting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators — tracing the relationships that keep flowering plants, food systems, and whole ecosystems alive.

Approach

Vivienne teaches different age groups. For the past 7 years, students aged 6–18, sessions include natural ink-making, Japanese woodcut (ukiyo-e), collage, drawing, painting, bookbinding, printmaking techniques, and sculpture. For adults, including teacher training, her sumi-e, watercolour and drawing workshops are quieter and more reflective, often supported by a mindfulness journal participants take home to continue the work.

Her practice is informed by ongoing study at the University of Oxford Lifelong Learning in philosophy, environmental ethics, and climate change, and by the UN Sustainable Development Goals — bringing philosophical depth to the classroom without losing sight of curiosity, joy, creative thinking and hope.

Vivienne has observed that this framework she developed, offers a powerful way to help the next generation speak about climate issues with confidence. Through creativity, it becomes a growing library of knowledge for how they can care for the world.

Recent Events include:

May - July 2025 Vivienne ran 4 Japanese ink (sumi-e) workshops during her solo exhibition INTO THE SEEDS OF TIME at Omved Gardens. For more information - read more here.

June 2025 Vivienne and Dr Helen Barnard - Climate Ethicist - in conversation at OmVed Gardens about: Creativity, Responsibility & Hope in the Climate Crisis. For more information - read more here.

February 2024 – Workshop at The Kindred House, Margate
Vivienne led a workshop focusing on ink and nature to connect participants with their landscape. Using foraged materials from Margate—sticks, tree buds, stones, shells, driftwood, chalk, and seaweed—she taught pen and ink techniques. Students painted and printed using Japanese brushes, handmade natural brushes, and leaves onto paper, stones, and seaweed. This adaptable workshop fosters a deeper understanding of the seasons and the role of art in connecting with nature, promoting collaboration and environmental awareness.

May 2023 – Artist Talk at OmVed Gardens, TRACE Exhibition (Chelsea Fringe Festival)
During the TRACE exhibition curated by Thrown Contemporary, Vivienne presented her Magic Hour paintings, which raise questions about vanishing food plants. Her talk explored ongoing research on endangered and extinct plants and fungi, discussing how her science-based art highlights issues like species loss, clean air, water, soil, and biodiversity.

March 2022 – Pre-Recorded Talk for International Women’s Day
Hosted by an educational organization for female UK secondary schools, this event encouraged students to consider careers in creative industries as part of the "Women in Creative Industries" initiative.

2022 – FB Live Talk for Southwood Social Hub
Vivienne presented for a network supporting women in business, sharing insights into her creative journey and environmental art.

September 2022 – Painting Workshop on Endangered Plants, London Open House Festival
A hands-on workshop focusing on the beauty and importance of endangered plants, raising awareness through creative expression.

2022 – Montessori Teacher Training Workshop
Vivienne conducted an art training session for Montessori elementary educators, emphasizing cross-curricular art integration and sustainability.