Approved: 06.08.2021

Helen Back

Artist

Approved: 06.08.2021

Helen started to create art in her mid forties in response to dealing with challenging health issues.  She underwent surgery that meant she would not be able to have children of her own and four years later she was diagnosed with breast cancer.  Making art became a way for Helen to deal with the diagnosis, the treatment and life thereafter.

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Artist Statement

Helen started to create art in her mid forties in response to dealing with challenging health issues.  She underwent surgery that meant she would not be able to have children of her own and four years later she was diagnosed with breast cancer.  Making art became a way for Helen to deal with the diagnosis, the treatment and life thereafter.

Helen's work is autobiographical and conceptual, she's asking questions and making comments on her situation, what things mean to her and how she is shaped by her life and experiences. The serious nature of the themes Helen deals with does not prevent her from bringing lightness and humour to some of her pieces.

Working as a draughtsman it is no surprise that there is great precision and detail to be seen in Helen's work. She works with a variety of materials and methods that relate to the chosen subject matter.  Her work is not limited to a particular practice or medium, the subject matter determines the method or medium used, be it painting, print, poetry, collage or needlework.

Helen's work is very personal, it deals with physical and mental themes that many of us have been directly or indirectly touched by, such as being unable to have children, breast cancer and depression.  As these are explored through her art, she hopes to achieve self-understanding and maybe bring understanding and clarity or just some joy and enlightenment, to others.

CV & Education

CV

Education

1993-96 Bachelor of Arts 3D Design  - University of Central Lancashire

1990-93 A Level Art, National & First Diploma Art & Design - Grimsby Art College

Selected Group Exhibitions

2022 - Ferens Art Gallery 2022 Digital Open Exhibition

2021 - Ferens Art Gallery 2021 Open Exhibition

2020 - Ferens Art Gallery 2020 Open Exhibition

2017 - Nottingham Institute of Mental Health Open Exhibition

2016 - 20-21 Visual Arts Centre Open Exhibition

2016 - The Steel Rooms Gallery Open Exhibition

Awards & Commissions

2021 2nd Prize Friends of the Ferens  

Publications

2022 Interview with Sara Sarf https://hugsandbuttons.art.blog/inspiring-women-in-arts/

Social Media

https://www.instagram.com/helenbackart/

Contact

Helen Back

134 Lambert Road

Grimsby

N.E.Lincolnshire

DN32 0NS

Mob: 07902 376908

email: [email protected]