Surface Intrigue
Helen Welford’s first solo exhibition gives us an insight into her current studio practice where she “.....focuses upon the alchemy of process and the notion of creating simple yet intriguing surfaces.”
By Helen Welford.
Artists’ Statements
My current practice focuses upon the alchemy of process and the notion of creating simple yet intriguing surfaces. My drawings are created in response to the environment, for example structures worn and weathered through natural and human intervention, impressions left in the sand along the coastline or rock strata revealed in the cliffs.
Quality of surface and the exploration of the sensuous nature of materials are fundamental to my practice. With a particular emphasis on mark making, I continually explore the potential of both conventional and unconventional drawing materials such as charcoal, graphite, vinegar, house paints and steel wool. I construct and excavate layers which obscure or retain a history of those past. My drawings go through many stages of change and renewal without any definite end point.
I aim to encourage the viewer to observe surface detail and form subjective interpretations of the drawings in their entirety.
Key dates:
Preview: 20th March 2009. 7 -9pm.
Exhibition runs from: 20th March – 17th May 2009
Gallery opening times: Wednesday – Sunday, 12 noon – 4pm
Events:
Children’s workshops:
4th April
Workshop for Children! This will run from 10am-12noon. Come and work with local artist Helen Welford who is currently exhibiting in the gallery. This workshop will be connected to her own arts practice.
This will be open to children aged 8 upwards. Best of all its FREE. Please call the gallery or email mags@saltburnartistsprojects.org.uk to reserve your child’s place.
25th April
Workshop for Children! This will run from 10am-12noon. Come and work with local artist Janet Barker, where she will be taking the work of Helen Welford as a starting point and creating textile pictures focusing on layering and mark making.
This will be open to children aged 8 upwards. Best of all its FREE. Please call the gallery or email mags@saltburnartistsprojects.org.uk to reserve your child’s place.
Artists’ Talk:
7th May 7 -9pm. Wine and Cheese Evening.
Artist Helen Welford will be talking about her arts practice and her work in the current exhibition.
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