Helen Walsh

I am fascinated by the natural world, our connection to it and our place within it. I am interested in our desire to transcend, to move beyond what we know. The cycle of the seasons and of life change accordingly and I am interested in moving my practice forward through exploring this dichotomy.

Birds and feathers are an important element in my creative practice. I'm inspired by the way they move, their plumage, their otherness. They are freer; their ability to fly suggests a means of escape, implying there is something to escape from. They are symbols of transcendence, linking the physical to the spiritual world. This theme occurs in myths and stories across cultures and throughout history. In my practice they represent us, our spirits and a desire to transcend and change.

Drawing is a central element of my practice, it is the starting point and a means of creation in itself. I use drawing to research, explore and explain.

Process and technique are key to my practice. I use a range of media but continually return to traditional textile skills such as dyeing and embroidery. Using these traditional techniques I am part of an often forgotten or overlooked history.

Increasing awareness of our impact on the environment and our responsibilities draws me to work more with natural materials. Creating my own dyes from responsibly foraged materials connects my work to the land; adding another layer to the spiral of connection.