Helen Welford

My work is informed by my experiences of the landscape; specifically a section of the North-East coastline. I aim to communicate a micro vision of the lands surface balanced against an overall macro impression.

Recent work focuses upon the alchemy of process and the notion of creating simple yet intriguing surfaces. I continually explore the potential of conventional and unconventional materials with particular emphasis on mark-making. Paper, fabric and thread are pieced together in a palimpsest of layers which are evocative of the seascape environment. The embellisher machine is utilised as a tool by which to construct and deconstruct these surfaces. I also incorporate reclaimed clay, fishing wire and cloth thereby literally and metaphorically ‘grounding’ works in the context of the specific seascape environment from which I work.