Helena Clews
What do you do?
I paint and draw all kinds of things, mainly landscapes which I used to sell from my shop at the end of Foss Street called Browns Hill Art. Now I have moved into a studio in Kingsbridge. But I will be back in Dartmouth every Tuesday night from September for my life drawing classes at the Flavel.
So that involves nude models?!
It does - in various different poses.
How do you find them?
I use a website which has details of professional models. I like to get a good mix of men and women and different sizes and shapes.
Who comes to these classes?
A wide variety of people - all ages and abilities. We have ladies in their 30s who haven’t drawn since they were at school and 60-year-old professional artists. It’s a lovely way to relax after work.
Have there ever been any awkward situations?
The BBC came to film us once and I had to make sure there wasn’t too much on show. They gave me plates of buns to hold in strategic places, which was quite interesting! But the atmosphere is always very relaxed and never embarrassing. Everyone knows why they’re there and they just get on with it.
Do you come from an arty family?
Well creative I guess as my mum, dad and older sibling are all architects. They are into straight, accurate lines where as my work is more abstract!
Do you all excel at Christmas Pictionary?!
We do play but all our talents go out the window in the rush and we end up with mad scribbles!
Where did you study art?
Oxford and Manchester, and I did my MA in Fine Art in London. At one time I was based in a studio in an old chocolate factory, then I later went on to have exhibitions in an old custard factory!
What made you come to Devon?
I spent so many summers in Dartmouth as a child I used to think of it as home. Then mum and dad moved here about five years ago and I followed.
Why do you like art so much?
Because I love sharing my interpretation of the world. The things I paint are usually quite abstract, but people fall in love with what they see in it. It’s a kind of therapy – just sitting and painting quietly. It takes you to another place and you can be gone for hours!
What do you like to paint?
Landscapes - so I’m lucky to live in such a beautiful part of the world. I love the sea and the coast and the fields above Kingswear by the Daymark.
Will we ever see you out and about with your canvas?
No - I usually take photos or draw quick sketches on anything I can find in my bag – often a receipt! Then I go back to my studio and create something based on the images.
Are there any down sides to being an artist?
There are times when I don’t have an exhibition coming up and I lose my way a little. You can also feel quite vulnerable – you are putting your thoughts and feelings on a canvas and hoping people will like it. You have to be confident in this profession and not waver.
What gives you inspiration?
Well, at the moment my 12-week-old baby!
How is that going?
Pretty well although I now understand sleep deprivation! We are getting along okay. It’s just getting the communication thing right – she only needs one of three things – food, sleep or nappy change but it’s not always obvious which one! When I find the time I will paint her and she may kick start my next collection of work.
Where would you most like to go in the world to paint?
Morocco because of all the colours, but I would also like to have 80 days around the world just painting the sea in loads of different locations.
Who would you like to be stuck in a lift with?
I’d have to go for some artists, obviously! Paula Rego and Lucian Freud. That would make the time pass nicely.
If you want to join Helena’s life drawing class in September email her at helena@helenaclews.com
First published in By The Dart magazine July 2017