Helen started to create art in her mid forties in response to dealing with challenging health issues. She underwent surgery that meant she would not be able to have children of her own and four years later she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Making art became a way for Helen to deal with the diagnosis, the treatment and life thereafter.
Helen started to create art in her mid forties in response to dealing with challenging health issues. She underwent surgery that meant she would not be able to have children of her own and four years later she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Making art became a way for Helen to deal with the diagnosis, the treatment and life thereafter.
Helen's work is autobiographical and conceptual, she's asking questions and making comments on her situation, what things mean to her and how she is shaped by her life and experiences. The serious nature of the themes Helen deals with does not prevent her from bringing lightness and humour to some of her pieces.
Working as a draughtsman it is no surprise that there is great precision and detail to be seen in Helen's work. She works with a variety of materials and methods that relate to the chosen subject matter. Her work is not limited to a particular practice or medium, the subject matter determines the method or medium used, be it painting, print, poetry, collage or needlework.
Helen's work is very personal, it deals with physical and mental themes that many of us have been directly or indirectly touched by, such as being unable to have children, breast cancer and depression. As these are explored through her art, she hopes to achieve self-understanding and maybe bring understanding and clarity or just some joy and enlightenment, to others.
CV
Education
1993-96 Bachelor of Arts 3D Design - University of Central Lancashire
1990-93 A Level Art, National & First Diploma Art & Design - Grimsby Art College
Selected Group Exhibitions
2022 - Ferens Art Gallery 2022 Digital Open Exhibition
2021 - Ferens Art Gallery 2021 Open Exhibition
2020 - Ferens Art Gallery 2020 Open Exhibition
2017 - Nottingham Institute of Mental Health Open Exhibition
2016 - 20-21 Visual Arts Centre Open Exhibition
2016 - The Steel Rooms Gallery Open Exhibition
Awards & Commissions
2021 2nd Prize Friends of the Ferens
Publications
2022 Interview with Sara Sarf https://hugsandbuttons.art.blog/inspiring-women-in-arts/
Social Media
https://www.instagram.com/helenbackart/
Contact
Helen Back
134 Lambert Road
Grimsby
N.E.Lincolnshire
DN32 0NS
Mob: 07902 376908
email: [email protected]