Helen Casey

 

Wellington based artist, illustrator and drawing teacher, Helen Casey, was born on the island of Cyprus; then spent her early years in the Western Isles of Scotland so New Zealand is the largest island where she has made her home. 

 

Helen says "As my art has evolved I have been irresistibly influenced by traditional Maori art forms assimilating the visual designs so evocative in expressing entwined and entangled New Zealand identity and relationships. My work ranges from extremely detailed drawings to colourful and highly textured mixed media paintings. I have a particular fascination with birds, the sea, and marine life and am often driven to comment on the human condition with birds whales and fish serving as metaphors in a visual conversation with the viewer."

 

“As an illustrator my style of art has always been very diverse because I enjoy so many styles and media. Working in both digital and traditional media and with a diploma in Visual Communication Design and a Batchelor of Design, I have over 20 years experience in advertising, editorial, product and children’s illustration. I work on a Mac in Photoshop, Painter and Illustrator. I often begin with traditional media, then scan and work on them in the computer leading to greater flexibility and creativity. Liaising with the client and progressing through rough sketches I only proceed to finished art when a satisfactory concept is accepted.”

 

While continuing to work as an illustrator and artist Helen began to teach drawing classes in 2007.