Helen Pollard

Artist’s Statement

Painting is my journey of self-exploration and discovery. Each stroke of the brush is a direct expression of my inner world—full of intense emotions, vivid memories, and unique experiences. As Jackson Pollock once said, “painting for me is energy made visible.” My goal is to encapsulate the vibrant essence of my travels across Southeast Asia, Europe, and Australia, capturing the spirit of these places through color and form. Rather than replicating nature, I use it as a starting point for my artistic explorations. The diverse environments I’ve encountered provide endless inspiration, allowing me to infuse my work with the moods and atmospheres of different times and places. I celebrate the raw power of nature and the elemental forces—wind, fire, and water—that shape our world, leaving their distinct marks on the landscape.

Artist’s Bio

Helen Pollard is a dynamic force in the art world, renowned for her innovative approach and dedication to her craft. She is the founder of Artea Art School and a seasoned professional artist. Helen began her artistic journey at Lancaster University in England, where she earned a Fine Arts degree with a focus on Painting and Printmaking in 2003. Her quest for artistic growth brought her to Australia, where she completed a Masters of Art in Public Space at RMIT University in Melbourne in 2008.

Helen’s career is a testament to her versatility and passion. She has exhibited her work in various prestigious venues such as the Melbourne Art Show, The Publican Gallery, and Chapel on Chapel. Her public art commissions span the globe, including projects in Prato, Italy, Xian, China, and Sile, Turkey, as well as laneway installations in Dandenong, Box Hill, Heidelberg, and Federation Square in Melbourne.

Her contributions to the art community have not gone unnoticed. Helen has been honored with the Judges' Choice Award for the aRtECYCLE Ephemeral Sculptural installation at the Moonee Ponds art festival for two consecutive years. Her expertise as a curator is evident in her work for the City of Whittlesea Celebration Annual Exhibition and as Project Manager for the Whittlesea Agricultural 150th Sculptural Project. Helen is also committed to nurturing the next generation of artists. She runs the Mini Picasso’s creative arts program at Elwood, The Grange Primary Schools, Seabrook, and the Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre. Additionally, she leads an outreach program for disengaged youths at Baseline Youth Services, making a significant impact on young lives through the transformative power of art.