Helen Walsh
see email helensculpts@gmail.com
I attended Limerick College of Art & Design from 1985-1989 where I studied Fine Art Sculpture, although initially it was a desire to study fashion design that drew me to the Art School in Limerick. I live and work near Skibbereen in West Cork where I am constantly inspired by the rugged coastline in this once copper rich area, the energy of the elements and the subtleties of the reflective light in this particular part of the country. Although I don’t work directly from the landscape, I feel its influence permeate my work. I work in both two and three dimensions. For me there is a huge sense of enjoyment and challenge with my physical approach to working. I would be traditional in that sense. I have always had a huge love of drawing and always try to bring that energy into my sculptures. The process of making some of my linear work is very much like three dimensional drawing. I work mainly with metals and inspiration often comes from the materials themselves, as recycled hot water cylinders and old copper piping are predominantly used in my recent work; this represents renewal and change, the transformation from one use to another, a process which will continue. The colours that are possible to achieve in the copper hold a particular fascination combined with the reflective light which changes constantly, bouncing off the sculptures bringing with it a life to the finished pieces. Balance and movement are essential elements of my work. Hence I try to capture the movement in a moment, a gesture which defines it. I also try to contrast the suggested bulk of form with a more seemingly delicate support, encompassing vulnerability and resilience. The combination of materials which allows the pieces to move and sway physically; This in turn enables the viewer to play a more active role in their experience with my work. I want to create a sense of dialogue with my viewer and move them away from their thoughts for a momentarily.
Location Helen Walsh. Boulibawn, Skibbereen, Co Cork. Ireland. E: helensculpts@gmail.com
