Helena Clews

I have recently graduated from Central Saint Martins, London, where was awarded a Merit in my Masters of Fine Art. I am now based in the Chocolate Factory, Wood Green, and regularly exhibit in London and Devon.

My practice explores the possibilities of painting in the liminal space between abstraction and representation. I am constantly intrigued by how visual information - such as colour and gestural mark making - can allude to something that is difficult to define or identify clearly as a particular thing in the world, whilst at the same time being recognisable aesthetically as an "˜abstract' painting.

I have been working with natural objects - such as shells - alongside collages made from found images. I produce composition studies from these familiar objects or collages which then become the starting point for my paintings. My paintings emerge from the development of material processes: I pay close attention to the ever-changing possibilities that the fluid medium of paint offers in the moment of being worked and manipulated. But the paintings are also affected by my intuitive responses to the specific objects and collages I use as their starting point.

Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London, Masters in Fine Art, Merit
Institute of Education, University of London, PGCE Art & Design, Grade One
Manchester Metropolitan University, BA (hons) Fine Art, First Class Honours
Oxford and Cherwell College, Foundation in Art & Design, Distinction

2013
Show One, Central Saint Martins, London

2012
Solo Show @ Lounge, Brixton
Art Auction, Lethaby Gallery, London
Dartmouth Regatta, Dartmouth
MA Fine Art Interim Show, V22 The Biscuit Factory, London

2011
Dartmouth Regatta, Dartmouth

2008
Sophie's Barn, Chacombe

2007
Modbury Art Gallery, Devon
Aerials, Grosvenor Building, Manchester
Panoramic, Loxford Tower, Manchester

2006
Other...(please state), Custard Factory, Birmingham
Emerge, Victoria Baths, Manchester