​Louise K. Fraser (Lou.kin) is an award-winning neurodivergent teaching artist whose practice connects contemporary art, education, accessibility, creative health and interdisciplinary research.

For over twenty years she has developed collaborative projects with galleries, universities, hospitals, schools and communities throughout Scotland and beyond. Her work is rooted in the principle of “making to think and understand” and uses drawing, participation and collective creativity as tools for learning, communication and connection.

Working across printmaking, drawing, sculpture, installation, socially engaged practice and artist development, Louise creates opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to engage meaningfully with contemporary art.

Her work has been recognised through the Marsh Award for Excellence in Visual Arts Education and includes long-term partnerships with Fruitmarket, Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity, Mental Health Foundation, University of Southampton, National Galleries of Scotland and Freelands Foundation.

 

“Lou works in a dynamic, collaborative way with gallery staff and communities and produces fun, creative experiences that make us all smile and learn something new.”

“Lou’s approach is inherently child or young person-led.”

“Your kind, considered approach allows me to grow and develop at my pace.”

“She encouraged me to spread my artistic wings and believe more in myself.”

 

PRACTICE THEMES

Making to Think and Understand

Drawing and making are central to Louise’s practice. Rather than viewing drawing as an outcome, she approaches it as a tool for enquiry, reflection and understanding.

Access

Accessibility is not added after a project is designed; it is embedded from the beginning. Louise develops projects that consider multiple ways of engaging, communicating and participating.

Participation

Participants are collaborators rather than audiences. Projects are developed through conversation, experimentation and collective authorship.

Creative Health

Through work in hospitals, community settings and wellbeing contexts, Louise explores how creativity can support confidence, connection and resilience.

Research

Louise frequently collaborates with researchers, scientists and educators to translate complex ideas into accessible and engaging experiences.