Profile: Helen Wilson
Helen Wilson is one of the artists taking part in the Scottish Opera Art Fair 2010. We've asked some of the artists involved to answer a few questions about their work and being involved with Scottish Opera. Helen's answers are below. You can see more on the main Art Fair page.
Singer singing Les Amoureux
(To be auctioned on 6 October) (Part of Scottish Opera Art Fair 7-9 October)
Why did you choose to donate this particular piece? Is it typical of your style of art?
I chose this piece because, for a start, it's a painting of baritone Damian Thantrey (in the role of The Soldier in Company Chordelia's highly successful 2009 production, Les Amoureux), who is no stranger to Scottish Opera. The painting was part of a body of work which was indirectly instrumental in bringing about the residency, so it feels like a significant link in a very fortuitous chain of events!
What is your favourite medium and what subject matter are you particularly drawn to?
Oil paint is my favourite medium. I think it is probably the most sympathetic and forgiving. As for subject matter, I find humanity, in any guise, endlessly fascinating, although I do have a particular interest in all forms of theatre. ...so I suppose I'm drawn(!) to people, on stage and off really.
How would you describe your art to someone who was seeing it for the first time?
. . .
Which other artist/artists inspire you?
I don't think I could begin to list all the artists who have in some way inspired me but I have to say that the recent Glasgow Boys exhibition at Kelvingrove Art Gallery was wonderful. And I'd have to mention Holbein's portrait drawings. And a very recent discovery is Paolo Ventura, and, and...
How do you go about creating your artwork? Do you listen to opera while you work?!
I hide away ...and have Radio 4 playing quietly in the background. If I had opera on while I worked, I wouldn't actually be listening to it, and also I would be very unpopular with fellow artists in neighbouring studios.
Where might our audiences have seen your work before?
RGI, RSW and PAI Annual exhibitions, Glasgow Art Fair, Mansfield Park Gallery, Roger Billcliffe Gallery, (both Glasgow), Open Eye Gallery in Edinburgh, Thompson's Gallery in London and various other places.
Have you always been a professional artist?
Well, I have always painted and exhibited, even if, in earlier times, I had to do a number of other jobs to supplement my income (some of which I enjoyed more than others!)
What is the best/worst thing about being an artist?
The best things are relative freedom and autonomy, unlimited opportunities for creativity, and the excitement of not knowing where things might lead. The worst things are exactly the same, but viewed from a different perspective! The insecurity and uncertainty and the frequently terrifying knowledge that you have nothing to rely on but your own resources.
