Helen E Acklam
The Scottish islands with their rich heritage both inform and provide the underlying narrative to my work that is based on the historical landscape where marks are traces of past events, signs of occupation and evidence of lives lived. Research and reading into the stories and histories of the islands adds a personal narrative. Details are used from this collaboration to explore surface, form, texture and colour. I use a variety of media to convey this interest in the natural and man-made landscapes. Paintings are watercolour based with the additions of gouache and inks while canvases are layered with texture, collage and colour.
Plaster and textiles are used to form elements that are used as the basis for both sculptural pieces and bookwork. They convey the history and personal stories of the islands such as the Iolaire tragedy and the clearances. Sketchbooks are also essential for research, experimentation and exploration of the processes involved and are artworks in themselves. Photography is used as a method of collecting and recording visual information alongside sketches and mark making.
The cottages, bothies and shielings on the Isle of Lewis and Harris Outer Hebrides inspire my current work. Many lie derelict yet were once home to previous generations of islanders. This work uses collage and texture with acrylic paint, ink, charcoal, and sand from Luskentyre beach adding to the sense of place. Collage uses corrugated cardboard, and maps, with text from an old religious book symbolising the religious observance on the isles. Each piece is titled with a place name from the isles.
Education
2009-2012 FdA Drawing, University of Cumbria
2007-2009 HNC & HND Art & Design, Dumfries & Galloway College
2005-2008 MSc Accessibility & Inclusive Design (Dis) University of Salford
1992-1995 BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy (2:1) University of Derby
1986-1988 HND Business Studies & Finance, Manchester Polytechnic
Selected Shows and Exhibitions
Spring Fling Open Studios: 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
Alpha Art Gallery 2019, 2020 (Art Fairs: Cheltenham, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Ascot, Manchester, Edinburgh)
Arran Art Gallery 2019, 2020
Number Four Gallery 2019, 2020
Torrance Gallery 2019
Dancing Light Gallery: 2018, 2019, 2020 (Borders Art Fair 2019,2020)
Scotland Artists Gallery, Bothwell: 2018, 2019
Whitehouse Gallery, Kirkcudbright: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019
Line Gallery, Linlithgow :October 2015, 2016, 2017,2018,2019
Ottersburn Gallery, Dumfries: 2017, 2018
Upfront Gallery, Carlisle (Upland collaboration): Nov 17-Jan 18
Velvet Easel Gallery, Edinburgh: 2014,2015,2016,2017
Mustard Gallery, Langholm: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
Gracefield Arts Centre, Dumfries: 2014,2017
Biscuit Factory, Newcastle (Spring Fling collaboration): April-May 2014
Awards
2010 & 2011 Creative Travel Awards (University of Cumbria)
2020 VACMA funding awarded for Shetland residency at the Weaving Shed (postponed until 2021)
Projects
2012 St Michael’s Primary School, Dumfries- ‘Welcome Mosaic’ project
2019 St Michael’s Primary School, Dumfries- ‘Yellow Submarine’ project