The Practice
About
A making practice is simply the habit of creating things.
It doesn't require artistic talent, expensive materials, or large amounts of free time. It can be as simple as sketching in a notebook, mending a favourite item, experimenting with a new recipe, building something from scrap materials, or making art alongside your children.
At The Making Practice, creativity is viewed not as a special skill possessed by a few people, but as a natural human capacity. Throughout history, people have imagined, made, adapted and shared ideas. Making helps us solve problems, express ourselves, learn new skills and connect with others.
The emphasis here is on the process rather than the outcome. There is no pressure to be productive, profitable or perfect. Instead, the focus is on curiosity, experimentation and enjoyment.
This is a slower approach to creativity. One that values small steps, regular practice and the freedom to explore without knowing exactly where you'll end up.
The Story
The Making Practice grew from the meeting point of three parts of life: science, art and family.
Working as a scientist and medical writer brought a deep appreciation for curiosity, learning and evidence. At the same time, making art provided a different way of understanding the world—one rooted in observation, imagination and experimentation.
Then came family life.
Making things with children revealed something important: creativity is often at its most natural when it is woven into everyday life. A cardboard box becomes a castle. A sketchbook captures a moment from a walk. A collection of found objects turns into a project. The act of making becomes less about producing finished work and more about exploring ideas together.
Over time, these experiences began to connect. The same creative thinking that helps children learn, artists create and scientists discover new knowledge seemed to be part of a much bigger picture.
The Making Practice is a space to explore that idea: that creativity is not separate from life, but something that can enrich work, family, learning and wellbeing.
About Gillian
About
Gillian is an artist, scientist, writer and parent who is fascinated by the role creativity plays in everyday life.
With a background in science and medical communications, she has spent much of her career helping people understand complex ideas. Alongside this work, she has maintained a lifelong interest in art, sketchbooks, making and creative experimentation.
As a parent, she has also seen firsthand how naturally creativity emerges when people are given the time, space and encouragement to explore.
Through The Making Practice, Gillian brings together these different strands of experience to create resources, ideas and encouragement for anyone who wants to make creativity a more meaningful part of their life.
Whether you're an artist, a hobbyist, a parent, a professional, or someone who hasn't made anything in years, you're welcome here. Creativity begins with curiosity— and practice begins with making.
Exhibitions
1–16 April 2023
Festival of Arts exhibition
The Base Greenham
17 October – 28 November 2022
14 October – 8 January 2023
Howarth's Gallery, Newbury
2–5 June 2022
Whitchurch Art Fair
2016 – 2023
THAT Gallery, Basingstoke
7 November – 16 December 2022
Open Arts Exhibition
West End Centre, Aldershot
20–29 August 2022
19–28 August 2023
7+ Artists, Proteus Creation Space (part of Hampshire Open Studios)
20 February 2019
The Art Box After Dark, Basingstoke
April 2015
Tadley & Baughurst Art Club