ARTIST BIOGRAPHY

Starting with an interest in all things creative from a young age, Helenka went from studying surface textiles and fashion in her first year of college, to the old textile mills in the Scottish Borders to enhance her skills in print for her degree, in which she gained a distinction from art college. From there she delved into a year-long, self-led MA in sculptural women’s fashion. After graduating with distinction, she moved to London to work in couture alongside modelling and styling opportunities.  From there, she was asked to work for Swedish label Maderakka, based in Milan, putting together catwalk shows for Milan fashion week, alongside styling for photographer Adriano Russo, gaining valuable skills. 

After getting married and starting a family, her creative time was limited, but she continued to write and style in a freelance capacity for interior magazines. She also developed a love and keen eye for interiors as she had to do up various houses for her family on a tiny budget. Her boundless creativity meant she could turn her hand to making necessary things such as lighting, and auction and antique market finds proved extremely rewarding with her enviable eye. She bought an old derelict Manor House in Somerset, which spurned her creativity further, turning it bit-by-bit into a magical home of chic design and worldly treasure, and all on a shoestring.

Her fascination with furniture, objects, and anything creative, has evolved into making applied art lighting and objects. Helenka recently started her own studio that reflects her take on the world, and in which she will turn her skilled hands to any ideas she’s driven to explore.