Welcome
Now showing in Dorset Art Week, you have arrived at the site of Dorset artist, Helen Jackson BA, based for the moment in the idylic seaside town of Swanage. I originally trained as a textile designer at Winchester Art College hence the abundance of colours and texture in my paintings.

Inspiration:
My work has been developing gradually over many years now.

I think its roots are based in the long Sunday mornings spent in Southwell Minister surrounded by columns and history - pitted stone surfaces, remnants of paint and strings of half understood mysterious words. Combine this feeling with a tatty book of Egyptian frescos I found in a College Library – all earthy colours, worn surfaces and strange magical animals whose stories and meanings I did not know.

I have always sought out the peaceful space that you can not put into words but that a picture (or music) can easily express. The moment in a dream where you catch a glimpse of something a meaning, suddenly in focus, then gone.

I don't think it matters if you understand the original truth, but that you sense it and interpret it through your own experience. That is what I am trying to do - to create my own visual mythologies and fairy tales.

Techniques:
Over the years I have been playing with whatever materials come to hand - hence the mixed media description. My images develop over time - paint surfaces added, layer upon layer, then worn away to give the impression of time passing - hopefully modern treasures.

Favourite artists:
Chagall for his generous heart
Klee for his experimentation and intellectual playfulness
Paula Rego for her strength

I hope you enjoy looking at the images in the gallery - please feel free to let me know what you think!

When visiting Dorset Art Week (24 May - 8 June 2008) find
Helen Jackson's work at

Venue 20, Methodist Chapel, Green Lane,
Ashmore, Nr Shaftsbury, Dorset, SP5 5AQ

Opening times: 10 - 5pm except Sundays 12:30 - 5pm

Directions
From Shaftesbury take A30 towards Sailsbury then first right onto B3081. At Cann Common turn left up Zig Zag Hill (B3081). After crossroads at top of ridge take next right signed Ashmore. Left at duckpond in village. Chapel 50m on right. From Blandford bypass take Higher Shaftesbury Road at Sunrise Business Park roundabout towards Melbury Abbas. After 6 miles turn right to Ashmore. Right at duckpond.

Accessibility
7 steps and toilet facilities.

Helen Jackson's Previous Exhibitions:

Also currently exhibiting at Mulberry Gallery, Swanage, Dorset
Hadfield Fine Arts, 2008
Purbeck Art Week 2007
Dorset Art Week 2006
Arts courses for Somerford School
Square Mile, Art Outdoors
Woven Wishes, Weaving
Dorset Art Week 2004
Arts courses for Sure Start, Weymouth
Smashing Plates, Mosaics
Making Faces, Papier-mâché
Square Mile I & II, Art Outdoors
Dorset Art Week 2002
Dorset Art Week 2000
Art Place Art Consultancy (St Mark’s Hospital, Harrow)
Arundel Gallery Trail
Four Seasons Gallery, Wimborne
Art for the Ark, Mere
The Laurel Keeley Gallery, Exeter
Fisherton Mill, Salisbury
Art Works, Bradford on Avon
Stockbridge Town Hall
Contemporary Art Gallery, Devizes
The Happening Gallery, Bristol
The Medieval Hall, Salisbury
Walford Mill Art Centre, Wimborne
The Abbey, Sutton Courtney, Oxon