Tessa

Travel information

I am currently

Description

Hi! I'm an artist and fabricator, with experience working in social research, disability care and hospitality. I'll be in Japan on a working holiday visa from late March to June, (then possibly to return in the Autumn again).

I live in London, and while I have travelled a lot this will be my first time in Japan! I have some experience with homestay/work exchanges using other sites, and found these were some of the most fulfilling parts of my travels as they allowed me to connect with lots of different kinds of people, learn more experientially about the culture and history of the places I was visiting and gave me the opportunity to develop new skills.

I am particularly interested in getting involved in community, creative, construction projects and/or ecology themed placements. I have a range of experience in assisting and running community arts workshops, lots of DIY and maintenance work, gardening/farm work, disability care and social research. I studied Social Anthropology at university, then Psychotherapy training at postgraduate. Right now I manage a busy independent coffeeshop in London and create things on the side. I am really interested in stories, the oral tradition, crafts and love meeting new people and learning skills. My main goals with work exchanges are: to explore a few areas of Japan at a steady pace, meet and learn from people about their way of life as well as Japanese culture and history, research and document crafts, and to build on my own skills and work experience.

As an artist and maker I work primarily with textiles and metal (sewing and welding compliment each other well), but I have a range of skills in ceramics, woodwork, jewellery (lost wax cast method), painting and drawing. Part of my decision to come to Japan is because of the rich history of crafts, particularly textiles (weaving) and metal work, so any experiences observing/learning/practicing here would be an absolute dream! I am good at problem solving and finding creative solutions to challenges, particularly with building/DIY work and enjoy working collaboratively and independently. I have good experience in photography with some experience in videography too, both are things I want to practice more and so would love to help document anything for you.

Another passion of mine is ecology, sustainability and life sciences. I spend a lot of my time researching different animals and plants and how they fit into the ecosystem. I'm considering re-training in conservation/research and so would especially love to be involved with an exchange placement that could give me more insight into practices in conservation and environmental justice.

Aside from this I have lots of experience in social care, I value time spent supporting people to live their lives as independently as possible, particularly if my work can free up time for them to pursue their own creative interests. I can assist people with support needs out in the community or at home. I have just begun learning Japanese and would love to practice more!

I really enjoy spending time with people and getting to know them, however equally I am looking for exchanges that will have space and time to reflect and explore. My ideal placement would have elements of both, but it's okay if it's more one than the other too. I'd love to get involved in any activities you can offer at the time, but I don't expect it and will respect your space. I'm always working on something so i'm good at keeping busy and plan on using my free time to knit, draw and weave alongside exploring the surroundings.

Lastly, I have lots of experience living communally, from house shares to community farms to artist community spaces. I cook, clean and tidy, I respect the spaces I am in and take care of things so they can last a long time.

Thanks for reading, let me know if you have any questions!

I have a valid international divers licence.

Interests

Camping

Adventure sports

Mountain

Culture

Pets

Videography

Politics / Social justice

Sustainability

Gardening

DIY & crafts

Carpentry

Photography

Plant care

History

Drawing & painting

Animals

Art & design

Sailing / Boating

Nature

Hiking

Dancing

Cycling

Languages

Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Beginner
French: Beginner
Portuguese: Beginner

More details about my language interests
This workawayer has indicated that they would be interested in sharing their language(s) or learning a new language. You can contact them directly to discuss this.

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Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

I'm interested in:  

Gardening

DIY and building projects

Eco Projects

Charity Work

Teaching

House & pet sitting

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Some knowledge of:  

Being an elderly companion

Creating/ Cooking family meals

Life at a Farmstay

Helping around the house

Animal Care

Languages

Helping with Computers/ Internet

Babysitting and creative play

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Able to teach about:  

General Maintenance

Hospitality/Tourism

Art Projects

More details about your skills

I am a creative person, with a background in art I have built up skills such as painting, textiles, sewing (hand and machine), woodwork, design, illustration, metal work (welding), ceramics (hand moulding and basic throwing skills), 3D construction using variety of materials ie recycled/repurposed materials, puppetry (design and fabrication using multiple materials), costume, jewelry, sculpture, up-cycling, crotchet. Basic construction skills and good at making things out of rubbish/repurposeing materials.

ALSO more practical skills like arc welding and basic carpentry (something I'd love to develop!).
I am confident with angle grinders and power tools.

Gardening, cleaning, cooking, dog walking, animal care, child care, writing, photoshop, computer skills. Full UK drivers lisence.
I play the accoridon.

Age

29

Some more information

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  Smoker

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  Driver's licence

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  Allergies

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  Special dietary requirements