Helen Pakeman
About Me
In my previous life I worked in High Street retail as a Franchisee for The Body Shop but, due to various personal circumstances, my association with Body Shop came to a natural conclusion in 2002, which left me wondering what to do next. My daughter suggested I do a Foundation course in Art as I have always enjoyed drawing, and I was hooked. That led to a degree in Fine Art which concluded in 2006 and here I am! Aiming to make a living from doing what I love best.
Over the last couple of years I have had to take time out to care for my elderly mother. She died this summer – peacefully and at home with us all – so now I am free to return to work.
Most exciting of all, I have tidied my art studio and am working on my art again!
Helen Pakeman – My Work
I am best known for monoprinting – large pictures of faces. Monoprinting I love, because you don’t need a press, and you can create really interesting textures and accidental marks.
Recently the process I have been thinking about is linocut – looking at modern artists who work in that medium and considering how to extend the boundaries a little. Loving this technique and beginning to think I may need to invest in a press…we shall see. At present I am managing with hand burnishing, using lightweight japanese papers.
If you are interested in my techniques there is a little more detail on the ‘Monoprinting’ and ‘Linocut” pages.
I also do some work for a Charity which works with conservation of water in India and produce their Christmas card range www.wellsforindia.org. A couple of years ago, I was very fortunate to be able to travel with them to the Thar Desert in Rajasthan, visiting projects and meeting villagers. This has also provided a rich source of visual images upon which to draw. This spring (2012) I have just produced a range of Notecards for Wells for India as well, which will be launched this April so will get those online as soon as I can.
You can find me elsewhere on the Internet
Helen Pakeman is not a very common name so you shouldn’t struggle to spot me online.
Faringdon Art Society Website
Twitter