About Helena
After finishing her BA Hons in Jewellery and Metalwork at Sheffield Hallam University Helena carried on her studies in Jewellery and Metalwork and received her Masters in Design. This is where she began her exploration in combining metal and ceramic.
Her work revolves around interaction and use, through the form and tactile aesthetics of each piece.
Helena is a Graduate Member of the Contemporary British Silversmiths.
In 2016 she was received the Design in Silver Award from the Contemporary British Silversmiths for her "Container Collective" at New Designers.
Helena was also Talent Spotted by The Goldsmiths Centre.
The Multi-sensory Drinking Experience
This project explores how the drinking experience can be enhanced through a vessel with the experimentation of combining metal and ceramics. To engage a group of friends in discussion caused from interacting with drinking vessels that have been presented in a particular way and in a certain space. Creating a ritual of conversation and consideration of the drink inside the vessel, whether that be alcoholic or not.
Utilising a combination of craft practice’s to create these vessels enhances the user’s consideration of the material and craftsmanship, therefore taking their time when drinking and making the experience last. Combining these materials gives a new aesthetic to each of them and creates a whole new experience.
Each vessel has their own character and aim to enhance different senses, through their form, texture, size and finish. Some are shaped to increase the aromas, some to consider where the vessel ‘should’ be drank from, whilst others tactile finishes caused during the making process intrigue the user to caress each mark left from hammer blows in the silver vessels or the considered indents in the ceramic vessels.
The Container Collective
Interlocking Container
This collection of containers have multiple parts which give smooth movements when opened and closed. Each container is made for their interaction and communication with the user through visual and tactile cues.
The Interlocking Container is made from two parts which ‘interlock’ together creating a satisfying sound when opened and closed.
Multifarious Container
This container is made from four individual parts, two inner parts which are silver and the outer gilding metal. Each piece slots and slides together creating an all round experience for the user.
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I allowed the gilding metal to naturally tarnish and accepted the colours which then appeared. Fingerprints and grease marks are left each time the piece is handled, showcasing the container's experience.
Inro Container
The Inro container was inspired by the Inros worn underneath traditional Japanese clothing, used as an alternative to pockets.
The piece is lined with suede to allow it to contain precious items, such as jewellery. All three parts are tied together using a leather cord and finished with a silver toggle.
This container was a later addition to the collection. The two parts, one silver and the other patinated gilding metal, fix together using a simple bayonet fitting.
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This piece started off my exploration into patination.
A solo vessel which has been half spun and half raised. The copper vessel is highly polished on the inside and patinated on the outside, creating a high contrast, a ‘dissimailarity’.
This piece was inspired by the forms in Japanese pottery and metalwork.
Working with a client who supplied Fibreform, a strong and structural paper, the client asked me to design and create whilst being influenced by and incorporating this paper.
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‘Confounding Expectations' is a mix of Fibreform paper and metal that blend together with colour and texture. The intention is to be used as a centrepiece, a talking point and to invite interaction.
Public Art
Cosmic Antler Soup
During her second year studying at Sheffield Hallam Helena won a competition to design gates for a new university building, inspired by Sheffield’s rich heritage.
The design took the form of antlers, a material which was originally used as handles in some of the cutlery that was handmade in Sheffield.
Teamed up with artist David Appleyard, Helena was involved with the developing and manufacturing processes.