helen michie | nature in mind

Resipole Studios is delighted to present Nature In Mind: solo exhibition of Ceramics, Painting and Printmaking by Lochaber artist Helen Michie. 

Colours, forms and textures from nature are explored using a variety of materials and ceramic techniques, creating work that reflects Helen’s response and connection to the environment of Moidart in West Lochaber. 

The sea and landscapes, plants, light and seasons of this beautiful area are captured in Helen’s work with different creative approaches linking to the natural elements and atmosphere found here.

Originally from Edinburgh, Helen studied Ceramics at Grays School of Art in Aberdeen, specialising in Architectural Ceramics. Whilst there, she discovered a love of the Japanese Raku firing process, with Raku literally meaning joy. This traditional method of firing outdoors, which is influenced by the weather on the day of firing and by the post firing process developed by Helen over the years, produces unique smoked decoration and glaze combinations which complement Helen’s impressed botanical designs on her wall pieces. 

Other ceramic techniques in the exhibition include coil and slab building, modelling, slip painting, ceramic mosaic and the use of multiple glazes with a range of different clays and firing temperatures. Helen’s painting and monoprints also include texture, colour and movement inspired by the sea, coast and skies of Moidart.

Over the years, Helen has worked with a wide range of materials in a variety of Art related settings, including time spent as an Architectural Modelmaker and as one of the Town Artists to work in the new town Public Art initiative in Scotland creating large scale painted, mosaic and ceramic murals. Helen has since created mosaic and ceramic Public Artworks in Lochaber through funded projects and has been a Community Artist for many years delivering Art projects and workshops. She is passionate about encouraging and supporting creativity in people of all ages in Lochaber and beyond.

Nature in Mind is an exhibition which reflects Helen’s love of both the natural environment of Moidart and of the inspiring and restorative power of nature and creativity itself.