HELEN DEARNLEY
FINE ART & ILLUSTRATION
Fine Art
Helen Dearnley (Blackbird) BA (hons) Fine Art & Illustration
An international fine artist with over 10 years postgraduate experience.
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"Blackbird" is the artists' signature.
Blackbird works in a diverse range of mediums, exploring many issues within her work as both fine artist and illustrator.
Helen studied a joint honours degree in Fine Art & Illustration at the University of Lincoln, and continues her practice based in the city as an international artist and illustrator.
“Artists-as-Artists value themselves for what they have gotten rid of and what they refuse to do” – Ad Reinhardt, How Art Made Pop (And Pop Became Art), Mike Roberts, 2018, Tate Publishing.
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Helen's work was part of the University of Lincoln Fine Art Degree Show 2008 "This Is It".
She has continued to develop a multidisciplinary practice, with the AA2A scheme residency developing animation, exhibition reviews, international travel and exhibition, and following graduation, she set up Lincoln Artists' Network with funding from Enterprise @ Lincoln, which she ran as director until 2017.
To keep up to date on Helen's current projects, follow her blog.
Current work
The first of three Monaco paintings, Cryptomonkey juxtaposes experiences as a carer in the care crisis with experiences in Monaco in 1995, and wealth, prosperity and abundance. An imaginary James Bond film.
Untitled, the second of three Monaco paintings, juxtaposing experiences as a carer during the care crisis with experiences in Monaco in 1995, and wealth, prosperity and abundance.
Imagined digital image of the Nobel Peace Center, Lincoln.
The first of three Monaco paintings, Cryptomonkey juxtaposes experiences as a carer in the care crisis with experiences in Monaco in 1995, and wealth, prosperity and abundance. An imaginary James Bond film.
Workshops
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2 hr
From 250 British pounds
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2 hr
350 British pounds
Previous Work
Since graduating in 2008, Helen has worked as an international fine artist, with collaborative work with Magne Furuholmen and Apparatjik, and other projects.
German artist and fellow A-ha fan Annette Schwindt interviewed Helen here.
In the interview, Helen explains how austerity, arts funding cuts, Brexit, and the care crisis has affected her work.
Commissions
Helen is available for commissions!
She has a particular interest in requests for A-ha Take On Me style portraits for fans, but also custom converse, Steampunk portraits, and album artwork.