Helen 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.