When did you start your creative practice and why?
I have been developing my art practice over the last 20 years, when I started a BA in Fine art in 2007. I have always made work, but it was not until I completed my MA that I could truly call myself an artist. Through researching both my teaching practice and artist practice I was able to understand process as meaning, and therefore acknowledge and accept that art is and always has existed in me and has influenced who I am and how I see the world. Unfortunately this is too often dismissed as navel gazing and places a deterrent on classifying yourself an artist, there lies the dichotomy. However, as a teacher I advocate creative practice as I feel it is paramount to human development as a fundamental means of expression.
What is your creative process from idea to finished piece is it always the same?
My work focuses around the ability to translate a form through tone and light. It is largely based on classical disciplines in drawing, with an aim to continuously develop and refine techniques but by also exploring other media to inform my practice too. The process is predominantly the same, applying the similar methods but allowing the creative act and neurophysical state to develop the work organically and as a result, the outcome is never the same.
Do you ever have creative blocks, how do you keep motivated?
I think creative blocks are an important part of the creative process and are often a result of fear. Creating art is an expressive, reflective and terrifying act for the artist as you are your own worst critic and you’re baring all. It’s another dichotomy and I think the only way to stay motivated is to be disciplined with your practice, to protect and devote time making art, and allow yourself to go through the process knowing that in all truth you have no control of the outcomes.
Who are the artists (past or present) who have strongly influenced you?
The life drawing is hugely influenced by Michaelangelo and Rubens and I will probably always work towards trying to achieve a spec of their greatness with my drawing. I am also inspired by artists such as Casper David Frederique, Egon Schiele, Anselm Kiefer, Jenny Saville, and Nathan Ford.
What tools, materials, or techniques are essential to your practice? Is there a colour you just couldn't do without?
My practice is largely drawing, traditionally using pencils, but more recently exploring the quality of a pencil and the ratios of wax and chalk in a pigment core. I highly rate Derwent colour chalk pencils and Koh-I-Noor cores and mainly use white, sepias and ochres, but there is nothing more demanding than a standard HB pencil or an etching point to really develop and refine your technique.
Have you got a project / award/ residency/ or idea you are excited to share with us?
I am passionate about developing confidence in both drawing and making art. I have just moved to Ellastone from Oxford and run a drop-in life drawing class and art class in Ashbourne. I am excited to be starting a range of other classes too including portraiture sessions, drawing courses in Museums, workshops in botanical drawing and etching, and one-to-one tuition for adults and students (GCSE/A-level/Scholarship/Arts Awards). Currently ArtOxford I am slowly transitioning to Helen Edwards Art (HeArt) and am very much looking forward to contributing more to and becoming part of the local art community.
What is your website and how do we find you on social media?
Website www.artoxford.co.uk
Facebook Helen Edwards Art ArtOxford (@helenjse)
Instagram @artoxforduk
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-edwards-752b9b30/
