Sally Rees has been a passionate artist and designer from a very young age, drawing inspiration from the stunning beaches of her hometown, Swansea in South Wales. Her artistic journey led her to pursue a BA in Textiles Design and an MA in Jewellery Design from London Metropolitan University. Sally’s talent was recognised early on when awarded the Argent of London Young Jewellery Designer of the Year in 2009. Her acclaimed “Flamenco” inspired jewellery collection has been exhibited at Young Designers and Coutts London Jewellery Week.
During her master’s program, Sally honed her skills in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and developed a distinctive aesthetic as a designer. Since 2014, she has been the Head of Art at an Outer London high school, where she teaches Key Stage Art and Textiles. Sally’s passion for art and design education is driven by her desire to inspire the next generation with her skills and experience. She finds immense fulfillment in helping students develop their passion and talent.
Sally’s artistic pursuits extend beyond the classroom. In her own time, she continues to explore jewellery, textiles, and hand embroidery, drawing inspiration from the patterns found in nature and diverse cultures. The COVID-19 pandemic introduced Sally to the world of online teaching, an experience that sparked her interest in further developing this mode of education.
Sally has successfully established the Art GCSE program at Wendover School and is eagerly anticipating its expansion to A Level. She values the close bonds she forms with each online student, nurturing their artistic studies and tailoring lessons to individual needs. Online learning offers unique opportunities for spontaneous development and in-depth discussions, especially during GCSE. The small class sizes enable Sally to provide more one-on-one support, enhancing each student’s learning experience. She often models techniques through her own art work, helping students develop their skills.
In her spare time, Sally enjoys Latin social dancing and yoga, which help keep her fit. She walks daily, using these moments to capture photographs for art lessons and draw inspiration from nature. An avid traveler, Sally has visited incredible locations in Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Spain, Turkey, and South Africa, among others.
A lifelong learner, Sally constantly explores new art and design skills as well as different cultures. She finds inspiration on Pinterest, which she calls her guilty pleasure. She also loves spending time walking on the beach with her dog, enjoying moments with family and friends, and dancing salsa and tango. Sally thrives in the sunshine and feels most inspired during the summer months.
Through her dedication to both traditional and online teaching, Sally continues to inspire and nurture the artistic talents of students worldwide, fostering a love for art and design that transcends geographical boundaries.
