August 2021 – Helen Fulford

In August 2021 Window Gallery presented an exhibition of portraits and life drawing by Helen Fulford. There is a video exhibition on YouTube with music by Admissions.

Helen Fulford is an Essex based artist whose preferred subject is figures and portraits. Her portrait pieces explore layering, distortion and fragmentation to create interest and impact. Helens’ Narrative Portraits are typically large scale, oil paintings of a figure in an environment. The intention of this work is to create a narrative by combining multiple images photographed and collected at random and painted to mimic a production still. The figures are predominantly empowered females.

When did you start making art?

I haven’t really stopped but, like most creatives, I have periods that are more creative and productive than others.

What sort of art do you create? Has this changed over time?

I mainly work with the figure or portrait in 2-dimensions but the style, theme and medium, regularly changes. I like the challenge of having an evolving style rather than a signature style but, I think, maybe I haven’t found my true style yet.

What inspires you?

I have a passion for The Arts. I love all dance, musical theatre and the visual arts particularly – any connection I have with this provokes ideas and inspiration.

What do you do if you’re not inspired?

Go to a gallery or review my saved inspirational boards on Pinterest.

Where do you practice art?

My house is bursting with boards, canvases, portfolios that are mostly full of unfinished work! I never used to hang my work at home but I have to now, to save space! I even have ‘works in progress’ on the wall! One day I would like a space.

Do you have any connections with the art community in Chelmsford?

I have enjoyed the Chelmsford Portrait Project over lockdown and I am starting to connect locally. Since lockdown, I now follow many more local artists, via social media, which is brilliant.

How often do you create?

As a secondary art teacher I feel I am so lucky that I engage in creative thought, practise or dialogue everyday. This may not be for my personal endeavours but I set aside two evenings per week for my own creative development.

What’s the best thing about being an artist?

Tricky! Enjoying something that needs nothing other than thoughts or surroundings? Maybe?

Where have you exhibited before?

I exhibited in the Chelmsford Art Trail, 2018. I’m just finding my feet and what I want to put out there. I also need a bit more courage to put myself forward for exhibitions I think.

Do you sell your work?

Yes, I do. I have just opened an Etsy shop which is in its early stages.

Is it difficult to part with it?

Good question. If I create a piece with the intention to sell, then no, it isn’t difficult to sell. Some pieces I hold onto for a while until I’m ready to part with them. My latest sale; ‘Girl with Taxi’ was bought by a friend so that felt better.

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