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 transient and 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.
Based in Western Australia, I was invited to join Aire Valley Arts in 2019 during my three months with Jane Fielder in Bingley, having flown over to exhibit with her at Keighley Creative Space. I continue to participate with AVA virtually, by way of regular email correspondence, which gives me a supportive forum to share my art.
In 2022 I exhibited selected works with Linton & Kay Galleries in my first solo exhibition. I am now preparing for my second solo, ‘Alchemy’, also with Linton & Kay Galleries.
Email helenshearwood@hotmail.com
Website helenshearwood.com
Instagram @helen_shearwood
Finding beauty in the neglected
My first solo exhibition at Linton & Kay Galleries, Western Australia, 2022
Display of work at 'Infinite Beauty' solo exhibition, 2022
'Infinite Beauty' book, published 2020
Capturing beauty in unexpected places
Watercolour moonscape (1 of 4), 2019
Collages of photographs and watercolours, St James's University Hospital, 2019-2020
Opening speech at Linton & Kay Galleries, 2022
Telegraph & Argus editorial, 2019
Experimenting with off-cuts, 2019
'How the Light Gets In' (photo of a kerb)
'Beauty, Uncovered' (photo of a letterbox)
Nail varnish painting over a photograph of a skip bin, 2020
Life drawing with watercolour and acrylic ink, Keighley Creative Space, 2019
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