LOCAL artist, Helen Chester has been turning her talents to different subjects during lockdown, including members of her family.
Helen explained, “The lockdown put a delay on a couple of events I have been involved in, most notably the long term loan of my group portrait of Bellringers of the Salisbury Dioses killed in the First World War, to the collection of the Rifles Berkshire & Wiltshire Regiment Museum in Salisbury. However as soon as things go back to normal the painting can be delivered and I think there will be a ceremony for its unveiling.
“Because I have been unable to have sittings, due to the lockdown, I have been trying to paint my family. When I initially started the WW1 portraits it was partly because, having worked previously in art restoration studios and seeing the portraits of the ‘great and good’, I recognised that those of wealthy families had portraits of their ancestors and family members, and coming from a ordinary family, we only had photographs.
“I have painted portraits of my great grandparents as part of the WW1 series, however I haven’t previously had the time to paint my immediate family. Having time now has given me the opportunity to draw and paint my husband, Phil, and two boys, Arthur and Jasper. Also they haven’t been able to get away from me and my sketchbook!
“I think the lockdown has given us all a unique opportunity to contemplate how important loved ones and families are and to reflect on the lives of all those affected by Covid-19. My lockdown portraits celebrate my family and capture them during this unprecedented time.
“I’ve also been making miniature sculptures of rainbow houses and, moving forward, I have started producing artwork for the large Birmingham-based interior design company, Blocc Interiors. This is following a commission I did for them in a show home for the Barratt development in Westbury.”
To see more of Helen’s artwork, go to www.helenchesterarts.co.uk
