Alanya van de Wiel portrait

Supporting artists with encouragement and care.

ALANYA VAN DE WIEL

I’m an artist and creative support practitioner working one-on-one with artists and individuals who use creativity as a way to navigate their lives and work.

My practice is grounded in care, conversation and creative process. I offer space to slow down, reflect and make sense of what’s unfolding alongside gentle structure and practical support to help plan next steps with clarity.

I don’t work clinically or prescribe outcomes. Instead, sessions are shaped around the individual, responding to where you are rather than where you “should” be.

My background spans creative practice, counselling and art therapy training, community coordination, and working closely with artists, galleries and corporate spaces. This experience informs a grounded, ethical and practical approach to supporting people and creative work.

People often come to this work during periods of change, uncertainty or overwhelm. Together, we take things one step at a time, using conversation, creative exploration and thoughtful planning to support clarity and confidence.

If you’re unsure whether this kind of support is right for you, a conversation is a good place to begin.

Contact me

Testimonials

  • With Alanya I am now a lot more confident.

    “After my initial 1:1 appointment with Alanya I am now a lot more confident going forward with my vision for my art business. She provided so much information and emailed it all through so I could follow it effortlessly. I’m now looking at entering my first exhibition and art prize. She is also introducing me to some amazing local artists who I can also learn from.”

    Mel Hibberd | Artist

  • Thank you Alanya for your dedication.

    “Alanya is an artist with great enthusiasm and passion to see all artists succeed and fulfil their vision. Alanya imparts practical guidance and market knowledge to help you navigate effectively in this multifaceted space. Thank you Alanya for your dedication.”

    Dawn Cash | Artist

  • I’m so grateful

    “I had my first art coaching session with Alanya online, and I’m so grateful I reached out. She genuinely understood where I was coming from and helped me clarify what I wanted to achieve next. With her honest feedback and practical steps, I came away from just one session feeling much more focused and optimistic about my next steps”

    Jen Armstrong | Artist

  • Heartfelt feedback.

    “Coaching by Alanya gives you support, encouragement, honesty and heartfelt feedback!”

    Dianna Kellerman | Artist

  • Alanya coaches with insight, intuition, and warmth.

    “I met Alanya at her exhibition, where her sculpture caught my attention. It was sensitive and inspiring; a reflection of her character. As co-founder of an artist collective, New Artist Collective, she encourages artists and other creatives, at any stage of their practice, to connect, engage and feel supported. With her art therapy background, and her own art practice; Alanya coaches with insight, intuition, and warmth; lending her coaching a unique; gentle and generous approach.”

    Sophie Seeger | Artist, Mentor, Tutor

  • So helpful and insightful!

    “Your ability to guide and provide important feedback where needed has been so helpful and insightful for me and my journey in the art world! Couldn’t recommend you more, thank you.”

    Israel Rumbel | Artist

  • Practical, empathetic, inspiring, and very hands-on.

    "I've had the privilege of knowing and working with Alanya for over eight years, including as the co-founder in the establishment of the New Artist Collective, which she has grown into a vibrant and supportive community. As an artist coach, Alanya has a deeply person-centred approach that is both encouraging and insightful. Her ability to offer genuine feedback with clarity has helped me and many others connect and grow in our art practices. Alanya’s own experience as an artist enriches her coaching, making her guidance practical, empathetic, inspiring, and very hands-on."

    Amanda O'Bryan | Artist, Designer, Author

  • Love it!

    “This is Alanya’s wheelhouse. Judgement free discussion about your art goals. Love it”

    Jane Kerrigan | Artist

  • Wonderfully contagious

    “In your element Alanya, your passion and enthusiasm is wonderfully contagious”

    Belinda Dorey | Artist

  • I cannot recommend her highly enough.

    I've had the pleasure of working with Alanya in many different capacities since moving to Newcastle—from exhibiting her work in the gallery, to hiring her within Pseudonym. We continue to collaborate on content, talks, workshops, and ideas to support the broader arts community. 

    Her passion for creating inclusive, safe spaces where creativity can flourish is both boundless and deeply needed, especially in today’s challenging climate.

    Alanya has also inspired and encouraged me to show up more publicly and authentically, helping me find and share my voice—even in moments when I struggled with confidence, despite having a clear message.

    She is a compassionate, caring, and deeply professional individual, and I cannot recommend her highly enough.

    Kere Baker | Pseudonym Gallery