Meet Helena Jackson Lloyd

Who are you and what do you create?
I am a Sunshine Coast visual artist based at Coolum Beach. I specialise in painting, drawing and collage in the creation of mostly large scale 2d works.

What materials and techniques do you use?
I’m greedy with materials. I use everything from earth pigments to aerosols and everything in between. Technically I like to explore and experiment with my materials.

What kind of inspirations go into your work?
My main inspiration comes from time spent outdoors and drawing enplein air (outdoors on location). I’m very interested in the patterns, forms, rhythms in the natural environment. I am also inspired by other artists and the materials I use. I also find  that whatever is going on in my life tends to surface in my work.

In what space do you like to create most?
I LOVE my studio which is a shed in an Industrial Estate. It has a little courtyard garden and flow through ventilation and lots of space. For me it is a world within a world. I can sing, dance, make a big mess and spread out. It is a luxury and I am very grateful for everyday there.

What has been your favourite or most important work to date?
My most important work to date is a large painting entitled Landforms which was recently acquired by the Redland Art Gallery for their collection. On first appearance it appears deceptively simple but on closer viewing you can see my layers of process. A whole section has been painted enplein air (outdoors on location) this has been partially painted over and then drawn over with large abstract marks that are my marks from drawing. It also incorporates stitching together panels (with my old Singer treadle) and a variety of media including Earth  pigment, acrylic, oil, aerosol and ink on sewn canvas.

Helena Jackson Lloyd is one of our participating artists in Love Note to the Landscape; a celebration of plein air artwork, created in three iconic Sunshine Coast locations – Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanical Gardens, Coolum’s First Bay and the Mooloolah Wetlands. Find out more about the project here.