Written by Anna Itkonen
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Helen is a multifaceted artist whose work seamlessly blends the worlds of painting and graphic design. We sat down with her to explore her artistic journey, the intersection of her different creative passions, and what the future holds for her work.
Helen Shadforth
Can you tell me in your own words what your art is about and why you do what you do?
“I’ve been a graphic designer for over 20 years, and while I love it, I sometimes feel constrained by the corporate side of the industry. That’s why I paint. It’s my creative outlet, a space where I can fully express myself without boundaries. I paint intuitively, often without a set plan. I start with something that inspires me, and then I just let it flow. My background in graphic design definitely influences my work, especially in terms of composition and colour, but painting allows me to break free from those constraints and embrace a more spontaneous process.”
Pink Cockatoo | 76 x 76cm, Acrylic & oil stick on canvas
Where does your inspiration come from?
“My inspiration varies from day to day. I often get visions or thoughts that just pop into my mind, which I believe is influenced by my work as a reiki master. Nature is a huge source of inspiration for me, especially Australian flora and fauna. I also find that my travels have exposed me to different cultural arts and that primitive style really resonates with me. I enjoy painting subjects that are a bit quirky and less known, like the numbat, to introduce viewers to something different.”
Banksia Duo | 61 x 76cm, Acrylic on canvas
What is your creative process like?
“It starts with research—understanding the subject matter I want to depict. I gather images and learn about the animal or theme. Then, the graphic designer in me simplifies things into a more stylised form. Colour is a major element for me; I spend a lot of time considering the palette. As I paint, I work in layers and let intuition guide me through the process. My body almost tells me where to place colours and patterns, and I really focus on the flow.”
Platypus Pool | 76 x 76cm, Acrylic & oil stick on canvas
How do you know when an artwork is finished?
“That’s always a challenge! I can easily slip into overthinking. If I’m unsure whether it’s done, I’ll set it aside and work on something else. When I return with fresh eyes, I can see what it needs, if anything at all.”
Big Bloom | 76 x 76cm, Acrylic on canvas
Tell me about your colour palette. Is there symbolism behind it?
“Absolutely! Colours evoke feelings and carry symbolism. When designing, I think about how colours represent different emotions or concepts, and I carry some of that into my art. I want viewers to connect with the feelings behind the colours I choose. Sometimes, my colour choices are a bit unconventional; the thought behind them is for the colours to resonate with others.”
Little Platypus | 51 x 51cm, Acrylic on canvas
What has your journey as an artist looked like?
“I’ve loved drawing and painting since I was a child. However, I chose graphic design as a career path because my parents believed being a fine artist wouldn’t pay the bills. I discovered my passion for design in school and pursued it. After moving to the Sunshine Coast and starting a family, I pivoted from design slightly to creating children’s books and art. It was a gradual process of rediscovering my love for painting. I realised that these different creative facets of myself could coexist and support each other.”
Pretty Bird 1 | 81 x 57cm, Acrylic on paper
What do you want viewers to take away from your art?
“I want to create pieces that make people feel good. I hope that my art offers a sense of connection. I want my work to evoke a ‘homely’ feeling, a feeling of connection to themselves.”
Shining Strength | 61 x76cm, Acrylic & oil stick on canvas
What’s next for you? Are there new projects on the horizon?
“I’m not a big planner, but I have some ideas brewing. I’m experimenting with more complex pieces that have a busier feel compared to my current work. I’m also playing with inks, which adds a new dimension to my layering process. It’s an exciting exploration, and I’m treating it like art therapy—just letting myself play and see where it goes!”
Helen’s journey as an artist is a demonstration of the power of creative exploration. By embracing her passions and allowing herself the freedom to experiment, she invites us all to connect with the beauty of our surroundings and the depths of our own creativity.
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