Helen explores the colours, forms and textures from nature using a variety of materials and ceramic techniques to create work that reflects her response and connection to the environment of the west Highlands.

The sea and landscapes, plants, light and seasons are captured in Helens work with different creative approaches linking to the natural elements and atmosphere of place.

Originally from Edinburgh, Helen studied Ceramics at Grays School of Art in Aberdeen, specialising in Architectural Ceramics. Whilst there she discovered a love of the Japanese Raku firing process, with Raku literally meaning joy. This traditional method of firing outdoors, which is influenced by the weather on the day of firing and by the unique post firing process developed by Helen over the years, produces the smoked decoration and glaze combinations which complement Helens impressed botanical designs on her ceramic wall pieces.

Other ceramic techniques used by Helen in her Sculpture and Sea pool bowls include coil and slab building, modelling, slip painting, fused glass and mosaic and the use of multiple glazes with a range of different clays, including porcelain and stoneware. Helens painting and monoprints also include texture, colour and movement inspired by the sea, coast and sky.

Over the years Helen has worked with a wide range of materials in a variety of Art related settings including time spent as an Architectural Modelmaker in Glasgow and as one of the Town Artists in the new town Public Art initiative in Fife in Scotland creating large scale painted, mosaic and ceramic murals. Helen has since created mosaic and ceramic Public Artworks in Lochaber and beyond through funded projects and has been a Community Artist for many years delivering Art projects and workshops. She is passionate about encouraging and supporting creativity in people of all ages.

Helen’s work reflects her love of both the natural environment and of the inspiring and restorative power of nature and creativity itself.