Covid-19 kept us all indoors, but it hasn’t separated Newham creatives from their artistry. Here we showcase our Borough’s talents and diversity during these challenging times.

Jodie Marie, Photographer

Jodie, 22, a film graduate from Leyton is an award-winning photographer. She attended the recent Black Lives Matter protests in London and took some amazing pictures.

“I started my photography journey around 6 years ago and learned to shoot a range of styles, but I decided to experiment and try photojournalism and photograph the Black Lives Matter Protest in London. It’s so insane we have to even debate on the colour of someone’s skin, in the 21st century! I’m so proud to be mixed race, and proud to be a [East] Londoner, and proud to be alive to be a part of this movement and a part of history. Black lives matter and will always matter. There is no room for opinion here.

My collection of photos features marching, chanting, striking signs, and pure emotions. I can honestly say they are some of the best I have ever taken.”

Yasmin, Blogger

http://curlsandcoffee.co.uk/

Yasmin, 22, is a blogger from Newham. She has a website where she showcases her amazing artwork as free wallpaper downloads and phone covers to purchase. Her site’s content range includes hair, beauty, travel and food.

“I’m from Uganda, raised in East London. I originally created my blog because growing up, I was conditioned to not love my hair which led to severe heat damage. I decided to embrace my natural hair and let it flourish, documenting my journey. After creating this platform, I wanted to also share my love for all forms of art, which led to the creation of my blog ‘Curls and Coffee’!”

Blue Sky Actors, Stratford Circus

The Blue Sky actors are artists with learning disabilities.They are a diverse and talented group with a long list of productions. Some of their previous shows include: The Hunchback Dame, Charlie and the Awkward Factory, The Jingle Book and Peter Panto.

Blue sky Actors are a Stratford Circus company. Their Christmas pantos are known for their creative twists. Although they can’t put on one of their pantomimes this year, they continue to release content on their YouTube channel FaceFrontTheatre. As every performer under Blue Sky has varying learning difficulties and disabilities, ‘Blue Sky Actors are also given support to access further training and employment opportunities.’

“Some of our participants have successfully auditioned for London’s prestigious Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, with others finding employment in theatres, and as professional actors working in film and theatre. Support is from City Bridge Trust and the Foyle Foundation.” – Blue Sky Actors staff.

Lou Jasmine, Director and Photographer

Lou Jasmine is a director and photographer. She has more notably directed a series for WeTransfer about black female entrepreneurs; “Make it real“. Lou describes herself as a visual storyteller, capturing the human condition through a variety of art. Her photography reflects her ambition to look through the lens of a multi-cultural world, exploring different continents, people and traditions.

“I’m currently working on a 2 minute film retelling someone’s real story. It’s one person’s experience being a mixed race woman. There’s a lot in the pipeline! All of them are related to the black experience in its many forms. People are taking notice now of the stories I like to tell about marginalised people; from women to people of colour to men with mental health issues.” – Lou Jasmine

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