Meet the Maker: Helaina Sharpley

5 April 2018

For May's kit, we're excited to share our first kit collaboration, this one with the wonderful wirework artist, Helaina Sharpley.

We've admired Helaina's lovely work for years (it stopped Moira in her tracks at a craft trade show!), with oodles of character and history, so who better to collaborate with for our upcoming wirework kit?

We caught up with Helaina about her artistry - where she finds inspiration, her tips for those of us ready to get started with wirework and any future projects...

How did you first get into wirework?

I studied BA Design Crafts at Hereford College of Art, and in my first year I was doing pen and ink drawings, inspired by Victorian architecture. My tutor encouraged me to use these drawings as the basis for some wirework.

Can you tell us how your first wire project went?

My early work was very wobbly and messy, but with time and many years practice later and I can control the wire with ease.

What do you love most about the process?

I love how you can rework the wire, and that you can see the fruits of your labour almost instantly.

Where do you draw your inspiration from for your work?

All of my work stems from a love of tea! This led onto a love of Victorian and Edwardian architecture and history, and I use old photographs and objects to work from.

What would be your best advice for those starting out to create linocut art?

Patience and practice! You are the boss, it’s just wire!

What’s next for you, any new projects you’re working on? 

I’m working towards my next Craft fair in June at Bovey Tracey, Devon – The Craft Festival. 

We'd love to thank Helaina for this interview!

You can have a better look at Helaina's work through her website or on Twitter.

www.helainasharpley-wirework-artist.co.uk