Helen Stead is the founder and author of the Creative Diarist which she started in January 2010 as a way of documenting her own art work and the visual research she sources from other artists and designers. She is currently based in Salford, UK studying for a BA in Visual Arts and her work encompasses a variety of practices including Lomography, Film & Digital Photography, Alternative Photography Processes, Mixed Media and Fiber Art. We spent five minutes chatting to Helen...
Tell us about yourself – who are you and what do you do?
I’m Helen Stead, a Visual Arts student at the University of Salford. At the moment I create mixed media based work and I’m enjoying experimenting with film & alternative photography.
What are you currently up to? Are there any exciting projects ongoing?
I am currently taking part in a live arts project based in Blackpool, I take inspiration from the surroundings and create work based on this. At the moment I am working with polaroids and film photography and exploring the history of the town.
Who or what inspires you?
I’m inspired a lot by old family albums, letters, telegrams, postcards. I love creating work from found objects. I’m also inspired daily by reading other peoples blogs. There’s a lot of talent online and it’s a great place to collaborate and share techniques & ideas.
What’s your best project/work to date?
In 2008 I won a Travel Bursary to go to Venice and produce textile work based on the surroundings. It’s a city I love and it’s full of never ending inspiration and it was a fantastic opportunity. I also recently went on a paid trip to Latvia working on a business plan for the creative regeneration of Riga. I learnt a lot of important business skills and got to present my ideas to Riga City Council and other major business leaders in the city.
Anything new going on? Or in the pipeline?
I have just been asked to write two guest posts showing my techniques for printing on to mulberry and handmade paper for two of my favourite websites which is exciting. PapernStitch.com and Lomography.com, they should be up within the next couple of weeks.
When you’re not working, what do you like to do?
I love what I do so much I can work for hours and not even realise, most of the time it doesn’t even feel like work! But I do love to visit junk shops and car boot sales in my spare time and ‘revamp’ old furniture. That is a big hobby! I think my mum is going to get sick of all the rubbish I bring home one day.
Finally, what tips or advice could you give to other creatives, just starting out?
My lecturer once said ‘if you’re not online, you don’t exist’. In a world where everything is now online it’s a great place to get your work seen and share it with thousands of people who share the same interests as you. Since starting my blog I’ve been given so many great opportunities and I’ve never looked back!
