Helen is inspired by materials, and by working with their unique properties transforms them into both beautiful and intriguing objects. Her current fascination is combining both glass and metalwork techniques...

'Glass and Metal'.

This body of work has scientific approach, outcomes are realized through visual research, experimentation and manipulating materials.

'The beauty of glass is its versatility. It can take on solid form or be as thin as paper, it can be shaped and cut and polished but its most valuable asset is its translucency. I see glass as a visual medium, my pieces work with this ability to pass and diffuse light'.

Traditional image making techniques and photography play a huge role in Helens work, inspiring her and informing three dimensional outcomes.

'In the "digital age" images are dispensable. I love the nostalgic feeling of looking through film negatives and 35mm slides. Simply by lifting up to the light the photograph comes to life. Care was taken to protect and archive these images'.

Helens glass pieces take the form of collections of 35mm slides. They are created by fusing sheet glass and metals together in a kiln.The reaction that takes place between these two materials results in truly unique images. The colours and patterns are dictated by the type of metal and the temperature it was fired at. No two are the same.

The slides are selected by image type and presented in collections. They then can be displayed in a variety of ways, including large scale projection, close up viewing boxes with lenses and kaleidoscopes, and illuminated glass light boxes. By using light, reflection and distortion the small square form is transformed into something special.

'The slide format is ideal, allowing them to be used in a variety of ways including traditional projection. By passing light through the slide it changes how is perceived. It could be a large scale painting, a stained glass window or you could be looking through a microscope'.

This unique work recaptures the careful and inquisitive nature of looking through collections and discovering something new. 

These pieces have been presented as interactive installations where the viewer is encouraged to touch the objects on display. Her aim is to give an alternative way to view hand crafted objects on display, not simply for the viewer to look but to actively take part in a creative experience.

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'Metal and Glass'.

Metal and glass is a collection of sterling silver and glass jewellery.

The two are very different materials, yet metal and glass have been combined for centuries.

Metal reflects light where glass allows light to pass through, and glass is fragile where metal is strong.The combination of these very different properties are what inspire Helen to make this range of jewellery.

By using her experience with glass, Helen has adapted traditional enamelling techniques to great effect.The results allow the beautiful qualities of each material to shine.

Simple and crisp shapes of satin finish silver are combined with glossy vivid coloured glass to create striking yet very weareable pieces of jewellery.

Finely ground glass is fired into an intricate pattern of holes to create a effect when worn of beautiful stained glass.

As with all of Helens work, every element is made by hand. Hand-cut,shaped drilled, filled and polished, each piece is unique.

This range includes earrings necklaces and bracelets.