How did your artistic journey start?
Although I have always been artistic throughout my life, this part of my journey started with my love for food and cooking, and a desire to represent my cooking photographically more desirably. So I started taking photos only to discover a love for photography. I spent 4 years developing my photographic art only to hit a wall last year. I found myself unable to move forward. Going from eating, breathing, and sleeping photography I couldn’t bring myself to take another shot. It was as if I was seeking something else – something that truly expressed my artistic emotions which was missing, for me, in my photographic pieces. One night I was playing around with my camera and shot an image which I then went on to develop. It wasn’t my usual method of shooting but a technique called Intentional Camera Movement, ICM. The image intrigued and fascinated me; it revealed a freedom I hadn’t found in pure photography before. That was the beginning of me investigating the ordinary objects around me to see if I could discover something extraordinary in them.

How did you arrive at the theme of your work?
The 3 pieces of art were inspired by a beautiful orange plant which drew me in with its vibrant orange colour. I love colour and couldn’t help but want to try and express the plant’s vibrancy in an abstract way that removed decisive forms and structure and simply celebrated its colours

Can you walk us through your creative process?
I have moved from being a traditional conformist photographer to freeing myself from the very restrictive constraints of the photographic practice. My camera to simply a tool in an artistic process from which I bring forth and bring life to my artistic expression.

How has your practice changed over time?
To always remain open to new experiences and new forms of expression.

How do you overcome creative blocks?
To always remain open to new experiences and new forms of expression.

Who influences you? Which other artists work do you love? 
In reality, no one. There is no one specific artist/photographer. However, Instagram is a great source of inspiration and a wonderful melting pot of ideas and unique artwork.

What advice would you give to artists who are just starting out?
In a way, I am just starting out myself. So maybe someone could give me some advice! I have taken a long time to get to this point. I am a late bloomer in my art. I wasn’t fortunate to begin my art career early. I always knew I wanted to be a recognised artist, and I knew I had it in me. I just needed to find the right time. So my advice would be “If deep down you want to be an artist, don’t give up. The wheels of life will turn and make it happen.”

To see more of Helen’s work, visit @helencampbell.artist on Instagram.

Warm Voices, this year’s Winter Open Call, is running at Six Foot Gallery until Tuesday January 9th 2024.