matthew venn

Communication is my passion. How people talk, why they talk. Where conflict arises and where communication is most useful is all fascinating for me. I have studied communication through research (psychology), observation and practicing: teaching, coaching, mediation and workshop facilitation. In terms of education, I’m most interested in how the teacher’s communication affects the learning environment - and how this affects the learning process.

Creativity is our innate ability to adapt to a continually changing environment. I believe that creativity is as much as skill as any other and as such can be practiced and strengthened. I have facilitated workshops in creativity and my own creative practice reaches into many different areas including graffiti, double bass, electronic music, rapping, beatboxing, installation art.

Engineering is the art of researching, designing, creating and implementing projects. My degree helped cement my engineering resources and gave me the opportunity to learn about project management. I’m particularly interested in the blend of Art and Engineering.

Computing. I have a strong ability with computers developed over the last 10 years. I’ve programmed in various languages on both computers and microcontrollers. I have in depth knowledge of UNIX based operating systems. Computer systems are especially interesting where they allow connections between people.

Improvisation. I have been consciously practicing improvisation skills with movement, music, theatre and comedy for the last 2 years. Improvisation is most useful to me when the unexpected happens - my practice helps me embrace new situations with grace.