Helen Kemp

HELEN KEMP was born in Falkirk and studied Ceramics at Edinburgh College of Art from 1974 to 1978 followed by Post-Graduate study of slip-cast work at Glasgow School of Art.  From 1979 to 1995 she worked as an art therapist as well as carrying out community art work and projects.  Since 1995, she has been committed to making ceramics. She now lives and works in the Scottish Borders.  

“The inspiration for my work originally came from Mexican and American folk art and Victorian Staffordshire figures.  I aim to create a whimsical or dreamlike feeling in the work through facial expressions, body language and sometimes with the use of narrative.  There is a gradual development of themes, with one piece leading to another.  All the work is handmodelled in earthenware clay with underglaze decoration and transparent matt and satin glazes and gold lustre.”

Her current work includes candlesticks, wall sconces, bowls, boxes and decorative pieces.

Awards
1997 Association for Applied Arts “Centre of Attention”, British Council, Edinburgh Exhibit awarded the Edinburgh Crystal Award for Innovation and Craftsmanship
2002 Preston Grange Pottery Competition, First prize

Commissions
1998 St. Hilda’s Primary School, Sunderland. Workshop sessions and construction of exterior ceramic tile mural 1.9 x 1.0 metres. (Collaboration with Paul Grime).