Helen was born and grew up in Kenya.

Africa, its poetry, folk law, art, textiles, colours, cultures, philosophy and people have influenced her own creative process from a very young age. 

After Completing a BA in Illustrative Arts in London, Helen moved to Derbyshire.

Initially specialising in relief printmaking on both paper and fabric she soon developed a style that was eclectic and covered a wide range of materials.

After training to teach Further and adult education in 1994 Helen began working as a community artist. She has a wide and varied experience of teaching and facilitating experiential learning in Arts and Crafts; in both a educational and community settings.

This included continuing education with The WEA, Nottingham University, Sheffield University and Adult Education Centres in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Yorkshire and latterly Somerset and Dorset. 

Helen worked extensively on art projects within the Youth Centre Service, young peoples holiday clubs and Children’s Art workshops in both UK and Spain.

She has run art holidays in England, France and Spain.

Helen has taught courses and workshops in Art Galleries,  during Art festivals and art weeks. Including Brixton Festival, International pavement Art Festival, Beaminster Festival and Somerset and Dorset Art weeks.

Philosophy of Teaching

Whether curriculum led or personal development, at every age, each student is a unique individual. I strive to create an inclusive, mutually beneficial environment to explore and develop excellence within creative practice. I facilitate growth, development, knowledge, skills, critical thinking, problem solving, connection and collaboration.

Skills 

 Soft sculpture, Fine Art Dolls, Cross cultural  Textiles,  Studio Art Quilts, Hand stitching and free form embroidery. Processes, contextualisation, history and cultural connections, Art theories and philosophies. Sustainability within the Arts. Art History.  Fine Art and Craft specialist .Curatorship showcasing varied creative practice both professionally and in community settings.

Teaching

• 2015 – present – Freelance –  Workshops at Art Centre’s UK, Spain / 

Online workshops – Global 

• 1989 – 2012 – Art Centres in England, Spain, France

Children – Family groups and adults

• 2011 – 2012 – Orihuela Education department, Summer School, Costa Blanca, Spain 
• 2007 – 2012 – Art solo, Art and Design School, Costa Blanca, Spain 

Adults

• 2007 – 2012 – Art Solo, Children’s Art Academy, Costa Blanca, Spain

Extra curricular Arts, children ages 14 – 18

• 2001 – 2003 – Big Print Studio, UK

Community relief printing workshops ages 10 – Adults

• 2000 – 2001 – Studio El Gecko, Orgiva, Granada, Spain

Adults

• 1995 – 1997 – Workers Education Association – Dorset, UK

Adults

• 1995 – 1997 – Smart Art Kids, Somerset, UK

Childrens Summer School days, ages 8-16

• 1993 – 1995 – Nottingham University – Adult Outreach program, UK – Adults

• 1993 – 1995 – Sheffield University – Further and Adult education department, UK – Adults

•  1993 – 1995 – Workers Education Association – Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire, UK  – Adults
• 1989 – 1991 – Brixton gallery, London, UK 

Children ages 10 – 18 , Adults

Mixed and combined exhibitions

As an advocate of collaboration I have always participated in mixed and joint exhibitions. 

2017 – Open Studios, Somerset.

2016 – Open studios, Alicante, Spain                  

2015 – Plymouth College of Art, MA Show

2013 – Cyprus College of Art, Post Graduate Certificate and Diploma shows

2010 – Global Present Gallery, BarcelonaSpain

2012 –  Virgen Del Carmen Cultural Center, Torrevieja Spain,

2010/11 – Casa de La Predera, Spain, Costa Blanca Artists

2009 –  Fusion Gallery, Altea Spain

2007/8 –  Cuervas de Rojales, Spain

2005/2013/14 –  Dorset Art Weeks,

2003/4/5 – Somerset Art Weeks,

2002 –  Art Solo. Big Print Gallery, Somerset,

2001 – Motril Cultural Centre, Spain, International artists open

2000-  The Gallery El Gecko, Spain, Printmakers Open

1999 –  Ronald Emmett Gallery, Dorset,  

1994 – Quantum Gallery, London,

1993- Hampstead Gallery, London,

1992-  St Thomas Hospital, Art in Hospitals, London

1992 – Brixton gallery, London 

1991 – City and guilds of London, Degree Show,