Artist Statement

My current artworks feature narrative works of children and animals in companionship exploring the worlds of gardens and fairytales. A  cat or a small dog is a frequent companion to adventure and occasionally a cat will get a work of their own!

Biography

Helen is a local Toowoomba based artist specialising in oils, pastels and ceramics. Helen’s work draws from the nostalgia of childhood, bringing whimsy, warmth and wonder to her pieces. When not creating art Helen spends her time on a rural property creating magical gardens and caring for a menagerie of animals.

Influences

My influences are the stories and  illustrations of the early 20th century that I read in my childhood. Books like Andrew Lang’s Fairytale series, the Water Babies , Wizard  of Oz and Mary Poppins.  The oil paintings of  The Impressionists.  I have attended workshops by Master Pastellist Lyn Diefenbach which has encouraged me in the use of colour , maybe sometimes I’m a little too colourful!

Awards

Finalist  2025 Fairholme Open Art Prize WInner 2026 Drawing and Pastels Foothills Art Show

Exhibitions

2025 Downlands Art Exhibition, 2025 Toowoomba Grammar Art Show, 2025 Fairholme Open Art Prize, 2025 Foothill Art Show. 2026 Foothills Art Show