Elements

An exhibition of work by contemporary UK ceramicist Harriet Hellman and artist Amanda James.


Lifelong friends, Harriet and Amanda both draw inspiration from Nature, and share a desire to capture their emotional connection to the world around them through paintings and ceramics and the exhibition features a collection of both which explore the transient nature of our relationship with our environment.

Both artists have exhibited individually many times but this is their first joint exhibition.

Harriet Hellman
Harriet completed a Fine Art degree in 1983 at Portsmouth specialising in sculpture and went on to work for 16 years in the Film and TV industry both here and in Australia as a prop maker, then production buyer and set dresser. After her second child she returned to college at Richmond Adult Education and completed an HNC in Ceramics. She set up her own studio in Teddington and went on to complete a two year Ceramic Diploma at City Lit in London.

Harriet’s work is intuitive and experimental inspired by the natural world. Human relations and emotions inform her decision-making. She enjoys pushing the boundaries of the clay form using porcelain slips and oxides, wires, fibreglass and being free from restrictions. 

Harriet has exhibited at the V&A, The Mall Gallery, New Designers, Islington and Whatever Next exhibition at Mile End Art pavilion.


Amanda James
Amanda worked as a graphic designer until 1993. After a career break to raise a family, Amanda taught Art and Design to adults with special educational needs whilst continuing to paint and intake her own commissions. Between 2007-2012 Amanda ran her own small gallery in Leicestershire, establishing a growing reputation as a landscape specialist.

Amanda’s inspiration comes from Natures' endless combinations of colours, textures and patterns, along with the effects of time upon the environment in which we live. The overwhelming sense of being transient in this vast world drives her to capture the emotions she feels through her work.

Amanda has exhibited both locally and nationally and has seen her work featured on television and in magazines.