ALI FORBES
London
Summary
I am a Glaswegian Jewellery Design Graduate of the Royal College of Art and Central Saint Martins and I am currently based in Thames-side Studios in Woolwich, London. Originally trained in jewellery design I have made a move into fine art with my own practice Urban Folklore which along with producing jewellery and objects inspired by folklore and other themes also runs community art projects with children and young adults. Most recently I have started working as a SEN teaching assistant in schools across London
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
Work history
SEN Teaching Assistant
Engage Education
London, UK
2024.09 - 2025.04
- Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls, North Thamesmead, London
- St Paul's (Slade Green) Primary School, London
- Royal Park Primary Academy, Sidcup, London
Owner
Urban Folklore
London, UK
2012.01 - Current
- Jewellery and fine art practice.
- www.urbanfolkloredesign.com
Jewellery and Glass technician
Morley College (Waterloo and North Kensington)
London, UK
2023.09 - 2024.03
- Maintaining a high standard of health and safety for both Waterloo and North Kensington sites.
- Ordering materials for both departments.
- Assisting students with technical questions and making sure that the department is run smoothly.
Art fabricator and technician
The White Wall Company
London, UK
2017.09 - 2023.11
- Working as part of a team to create large sculptures for international artists that include Brain Forest Quipo by Cecilia Vicuna at Tate Modern (2022), The Invisible Enemy Should Not Exist by Michael Rakowitz on the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square, and Wind Sculptures by Yinka Shonibare in international locations.
Artist commission and family workshop
Historic Environment Scotland
Melrose Abbey, Scotland
2023.02 - 2023.10
- Researching, designing, creating and facilitating a series of art activities for children and families that include mask making based on the gargoyles and stone carvings of Melrose Abbey in the Scottish Borders.
Childrens Workshop Facilitator
Wildhood Festival
Wildhood Festival, Tullibole Castle, Scotland
2022.05 - 2022.05
- Designing and fabricating giant insects made from reclaimed wood from an old garden shed for Wildhood Festival in Scotland then running mask and wing making workshops at the festival for families.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Jewellery Design
Central Saint Martins
London 2004.09 - 2009.06
Master of Arts - Goldsmithing, Silversmithing, Metalwork & Jewellery
Royal College of Art
London 2007.09 - 2009.06
Skills
- Adobe Illustrator
- Carpentry
- Painting, lino cutting, illustration
- Child-Centric Approach
- ADHD and autism support strategies
- Classroom supervision
Other qualifications
- TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Children and Young People's Mental Health
Timeline
SEN Teaching Assistant
Engage Education
2024.09 - 2025.04
Jewellery and Glass technician
Morley College (Waterloo and North Kensington)
2023.09 - 2024.03
Artist commission and family workshop
Historic Environment Scotland
2023.02 - 2023.10
Childrens Workshop Facilitator
Wildhood Festival
2022.05 - 2022.05
Art fabricator and technician
The White Wall Company
2017.09 - 2023.11
Owner
Urban Folklore
2012.01 - Current
Master of Arts - Goldsmithing, Silversmithing, Metalwork & Jewellery
Royal College of Art
2007.09 - 2009.06
Bachelor of Arts - Jewellery Design
Central Saint Martins
2004.09 - 2009.06