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HELEN MCLEAN | AN UNFOLDING PORTRAIT
28TH JULY 2018 - 7TH SEPTEMBER 2018
OPENED BY SAM KELLY
SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGIST, SPEAKER & AUTHOR
Helen's time in The Presentation Arts Centre was also marked by a sold out class in beginner mosaic making in our chapel theatre space, and an equally as popular artist discussion where she revealed the stories and inspirations behind her most compelling works thus far.
Now living and working in Co. Wexford, Helen has spread her influence worldwide with permanent visual art installations in Ireland, Scotland, the UK and the USA. Helen works in paint, stained glass and mosaic, creating pieces that reflect the unique light and the story of the space the work is situated in. Often creating site-specific pieces, Helen has become familiar with working within challenging and seemingly impossible spaces, but is always successful in manipulating the light and shadows of each space to her advantage, to further enhance the vibrancy in her pieces.
Helen's most recent exhibition work combined suggestive imagery alongside descriptive imagery, creating a dream-like space that concentrated on ethereal feeling. "They are not real places you can visit, although they might feel familiar; they come from feelings and a sense of a space rather than reality but they often lead into an enticing ‘beyond', an imaginary place that is sometimes defined and sometimes undefined but all are open to your unique interpretation." In creating these artworks, Helen worked by evolving and constantly developing the pieces. They changed over a period of time, taking on environmental influences and personal emotional changes as they evolved.
Helen's palate is dominated by overtones of blues with bursts of orange & red. The ever changing environmental factors in which the work is created is noted in Helen's process; switching materials as she works, echoing change and adaptability. "Changing materials as I work keeps me feeling free and my inspiration and energy flowing. I can be working on painting, mosaic and glass all at the same time." Most of Helen's glass work is large scale, and inspires a sense of freedom and awe.
Now living and working in Co. Wexford, Helen has spread her influence worldwide with permanent visual art installations in Ireland, Scotland, the UK and the USA. Helen works in paint, stained glass and mosaic, creating pieces that reflect the unique light and the story of the space the work is situated in. Often creating site-specific pieces, Helen has become familiar with working within challenging and seemingly impossible spaces, but is always successful in manipulating the light and shadows of each space to her advantage, to further enhance the vibrancy in her pieces.
Helen's most recent exhibition work combined suggestive imagery alongside descriptive imagery, creating a dream-like space that concentrated on ethereal feeling. "They are not real places you can visit, although they might feel familiar; they come from feelings and a sense of a space rather than reality but they often lead into an enticing ‘beyond', an imaginary place that is sometimes defined and sometimes undefined but all are open to your unique interpretation." In creating these artworks, Helen worked by evolving and constantly developing the pieces. They changed over a period of time, taking on environmental influences and personal emotional changes as they evolved.
Helen's palate is dominated by overtones of blues with bursts of orange & red. The ever changing environmental factors in which the work is created is noted in Helen's process; switching materials as she works, echoing change and adaptability. "Changing materials as I work keeps me feeling free and my inspiration and energy flowing. I can be working on painting, mosaic and glass all at the same time." Most of Helen's glass work is large scale, and inspires a sense of freedom and awe.
