Collection: Helen Acklam

Helen Acklam is a mixed media artist originally from Yorkshire however now settles in the South West of Scotland. 

The underlying narrative to her work is based on landscape and its place in history, people and 
events. Habitation, occupation and memory traces of lives lived also contribute to the evidence of 
stories told. Research and history are therefore vital to her practice in order to explore the 
personal journey. This research is then used to explore the relationships between people and 
place.
Through the materials used which are either found, made or collected, the intention is to bring 
memory and history together to evidence people and place.
Her choice of materials varies in order to explore both natural and man-made landscapes. 
She chooses to layer her paintings with texture and collage. The The collages are made utilising found materials local to 
the place such as sand, peat, stone and rock. Wallpaper from derelict cottages, books, vintage 
maps and textiles are also used.
With all present, a direct link in relationship to the land, place and the work are created.
Boxes and assemblages are created to contain artefacts and symbolic materials discovered on 
site. Sketchbooks are vital for her research, experimentation and exploration of the processes 
involved. Photography and film-making is also used to document and record visual information. 

Helen