Versatile, vibrant, and ever-joyful, the works of painter Helen Wells are a mixed media delight in texture, energetic pattern, and swirling pools of watercolor. Ranging from deeply hued acrylic works reminiscent of abstract figures to playful florals and shimmering rainbows of bubbles, there’s something for everyone in the wide range within the Helen Wells Collection.
The following is from an interview with Wells.
Please introduce yourself.
Hi! My name is Helen Wells, I’m a mixed media artist based out of Hastings, UK and have worked with STUDIO E/L for 7 years.
How has art been part of your life?
I was a very artsy child, but I did not become a professional artist until later in life. I had always made art as a passion, an interest and a curiosity, but did not start working as a professional artist until my 30’s.
Where does your inspiration come from?
I get inspired by all sorts of things. I am fascinated by the natural world, colors, patterns, shapes, seeing organic forms. I am also just fascinated by all sorts of things. I really love textiles or vases. So, I can find inspiration in lots of different places. I love kind of patch working things together.
Who are your biggest influences?
I am influenced by all sorts of different artists from different genres. I love Matisse, Hundertwasser, Barbara Rae. I am also influenced by my late mother. When I was growing up, she was doing a modern embroidery course. So, she was really interested in textiles and embroidery.
What is your favorite piece of artwork you have created?
Oh my goodness, that is a really hard one! I am going to cheat and say it is my sketchbooks. Rather the one piece of artwork, I often work in sketchbooks. I have these sketchbooks going back years and they are full of experiments, trying things out, color, pattern, shapes and just a pile of different art. Overall it is my sketchbook practice that is my favorite because it is like a filing cabinet or library of ideas. I go back to it to find new ideas and clues to go forward. Before I became an artist, my boss always used to tell me I was always doodling on my notepad. Then, when I became an artist, she said she was not surprised because the number of meetings I sat through and doodled. Sketchbooks are like a powerful creative friend that can be mindful, they can be playful and everything you need it to be.
When do you feel the most creative?
When I am well rested, probably in the morning. In terms of when I have the most energy and do I feel most creative in terms of my day. But also, in terms of maybe I have been out in nature and I have gathered ideas or taken photographs. Also, when I have been out and about looking for inspiration that is when I feel the most creative. When I have gone out looking, seeking and finding and then I can get back to my studio and think about what I am going to do next. So I think in terms of time of day, but also the season or the time that I feel the most creative and I have some ideas bubbling away.
I go out looking for inspiration. I often take my camera and my sketchbook. I might go outside with not a lot of inspiration, but I spend a lot of time looking and seeking and gathering and kind of seeking a thread, entry point or line of inquiry that I see when I am out and about that I am interested in. Then, I bring that back to the studio. I get lots of valid benefit from going outside into nature and seeking things that I personally find inspiring. It could be a color combination, shape, texture, juxtaposition, a shadow, all sorts of things that I then use in my art when I am back in the studio.
Though her works are some of our most popular in Healthcare settings for their undeniably positive mood, they are also well suited to Workplace environments needing a splash of lively, nature-inspired color. Find your favorites among the exclusive Helen Wells Collection on StudioEL.com!
