Born in 1983, (maiden name, Wood) in Staffordshire, England.
Graduated from Coventry University in 2004 with a BA (Hons) in Fine Art. During this time, I exhibited in several solo and group exhibitions in the Midlands. I took part in my first London show in 2004, at the Arndean Gallery, London.
In 2005, I then went on to graduate from the University of Central England (UCE) with a Postgraduate Certificate in Secondary Education in Art and Design.
My first teaching post was at an inner-city school in Birmingham, where I became the Head of Art. After three years I moved back to my home town in Staffordshire, holding the Head of Art position at a large comprehensive for five years.
In 2013 I became the Head of Art at Dulwich College Shanghai, China. Where I stayed for 4 years before moving to Seoul, South Korea for a further 3 years within the same school group. In 2020, I became to the Head of Art at NLCS Singapore and shortly after, Assistant Principal for Teaching and Learning. 

Throughout my teaching career I have maintained my dedication to my own artistic practice. Teaching has afforded me not only an amazing vocation working with talented youngsters but also the opportunity to broaden my own skills with a wealth of media.

My other website showcases the work we create in the classroom- www.theartistandacademic.com
You can also find me on Instagram- @shell_swain