Helen Shearwood
“It’s not what you look at that
matters, it’s what you see.”
I’m fascinated by the way things can change when viewed in a different light, and the power of our unique perceptions which govern how we see, and experience, everything we encounter in our lives.
I photograph ordinary objects like lampposts, letterboxes and rubbish bins, and marvel at all the hidden beauty that surrounds me every second of every day, previously overlooked.
My background is in graphic design but my passion lies in exploring the infinite beauty in our ordinary, everyday lives, and the layers of insight it continues to offer.
The discovery of beauty where I least expected to find it, at a time in my life when I was unable to see beauty in anything, taught me the power of perspective and continues to impart many life-changing lessons as my journey unfolds.
Since 2018 I have been captivated by the psychology behind our behaviour, especially the subconscious patterns and acquired beliefs that dictate our realities, as well as the interconnected nature of life, philosophy, mindfulness and how micro and macro correlate, among other things.
I published my first book Infinite Beauty in 2020, after posing a question on social media, asking “What is beauty to you?”, the felt experience proving the common thread – something that unites each and every one of us as human beings, irrespective of any differences.
I also enjoy experimenting with different media – including painting, collage and textiles – whilst exploring new themes as they continue to evolve.
I have had two solo exhibitions with renowned Australian gallery Linton & Kay and am preparing for my third, also with Linton & Kay, Sep-Oct 2025.
Email helen@helenshearwood.com
Website helenshearwood.com
Instagram @helen_shearwood
'As We Are', Digital Collage created from photos of ordinary objects, hand embellished with 21K gold leaf
Solo exhibition brochure, 2025
A rubbish bin becomes art by looking in a new way
My first solo exhibition at Linton & Kay, 2022
'How the Light Gets In' (photo of a kerb)
A letterbox transforms into art
'Infinite Beauty' book, published 2020
A glorious rubbish bin
A lamppost that looks like a seascape
From old hinges to art

Nail varnish painting over a photograph of a skip bin, 2020

A watercolour interpretation of a photograph of a paint palette, which sparked the idea for the three large pieces exhibited at St James's University Hospital, 2019

Watercolour moonscape (1 of 4), 2019

Life drawing with watercolour and acrylic ink, Keighley Creative Space, 2019
Telegraph & Argus editorial, 2019