Fun and quirky take on British life depicted by Wirral artist

May 2 2012 by Linda Foo Guest, Birkenhead News

A FUN and quirky take on British life has been depicted in a series of illustrations and paintings by a Wirral artist.

Helen Bennett is exhibiting a collection of work which explores British activities, such as the countryside, livestock and wild animals, pastimes and dog walking.

The exhibition is entitled ‘Observations and Day Dreams’, and will be displayed at the Seagrass Studio Gallery in Hoylake from Wednesday, May 9 to Wednesday, June 6.

Helen, from West Kirby, told the News: “I have 12 chickens, a dog and two cats, plus an allotment to grow veggies, walk the countryside with my dog – all of which I think are quintessentially British.

“This exhibition at Seagrass has a large amount of animals, some people and scenarios such as dog walking.

“British life, allotments and keeping a dog are a big thing in the UK. Keeping chickens is a pastime for families and sustainable living, appreciating what is around you on a daily basis.

“I use an eclectic mix of materials – everything from tightly controlled pencil techniques to a looser mix media of water colours, ink pens. I do not tend to stick to one thing.”

One of Helen’s paintings on display, The Big Lunch, has been accepted for the Liverpool Art Fair which takes place over five days during the Jubilee bank holiday weekend.

Helen has a BA Hons in graphic design and a BEd teaching certificate. The 43-year-old grew up in Hoylake and, prior to going freelance, worked at John Moores University for 15 years.

She returns to Seagrass after exhibiting there last summer.

Seagrass gallery owner, Jo Smith added: “I am proud to be welcoming Helen back once again, after having successfully shown at Seagrass last summer.

“With the run up to the Jubilee her exhibition is the perfect place to visit as it celebrates everything British from the artist’s perspective.

“Her pictures really make you smile and truly warm your cockles. They just ooze that feel-good factor.”

To see more of Helen’s work visit www.hebdesign.com