St Georges the Martyr, annual Art Exhibition, all proceeds to the Church Restoration Appeal
Architecture of Church and work so far…
I’m thrilled to be taking part in an upcoming group show supporting St George’s the Martyr in Ramsgate. It’s always a joy to see our local creative community come together, and I can’t wait to discover the incredible work of fellow artists in such a meaningful setting.
I’ll be exhibiting a selection of print-works, each one rooted in personal memories and creative exploration. Here’s a glimpse into each piece. I hope they speak to you—or even better, inspire you to come along and see the show in person.
Z Boys This collagraph—takes me back to my skating days. While I mainly rollerbladed, I had a huge admiration for skateboarding culture even though there was some rivalry. A big influence came from the film Lords of Dogtown (2005), which captured that electric moment when surfers began skating in drought-stricken pools, laying the foundation for today’s vert style. That raw, defiant energy really struck a chord with me. This piece is a nod to that restless spirit—bold, gritty, and forever reinventing the line.
Tenerife This monoprint draws from vivid memories of my stay in La Laguna, Tenerife, where I reconnected with a childhood friend and lived with a local family. One blazing afternoon—skipping the tram—I decided to walk from Santa Cruz. The air was thick with Saharan dust, the sun relentless. I ran out of water and found myself wilting, until I stumbled upon a palm tree, its shadow a muted oasis. I’ve tried to capture that moment of quiet relief and the warmth of those colours in this piece.
Nude with Cloud Developed from a life drawing I made while hosting a figure session, this Dry-point centres on nude woman looking out to a solitary dark cloud. It floats as a symbol of emotional unease and unrest. For me, it represents the inherited quiet strength—and heavy silence—carried by many of the women in my life. A weight passed down through generations, marked by resilience, restraint, and unspoken expectations.
Siamese (Betta) Tropical Fish A nostalgic work, this collagraph recalls the wonder of childhood evenings spent peering into the fish tank while my father pored over Breeding Aquarium Fishes (1967). The image is loosely inspired by a breeding pair of Siamese/Betta fighting fish from the book. As a child, I was mesmerised by their elegance—their flowing fins and vibrant colours, so dramatic they seemed to float between worlds.
I remember the lore: that two males would never tolerate each other, flaring wildly at each other or in my case the one male, at their own reflection in the glass tank. Now as an adult what captivated me most, was the symbolism they carried—across cultures and beliefs:
- Vietnamese tradition: symbols of peace and good fortune.
- Chinese culture: icons of perseverance and prosperity—especially meaningful at New Year.
- Buddhism: representing spiritual growth through inner struggle toward serenity.
Type G Plug Sockets This Dry-point was sparked by an industrial plug socket I encountered while studying at Chelsea. Its blunt form sent me into a notion about our relationship with tech—how we’ve shifted from tactile rituals to invisible ease.
In the ’80s, you’d often buy appliances without a plug, and I found joy in wiring them myself—sometimes even doubling up until I could get another spare plug. That clunky, hands-on familiarity has quietly disappeared. This piece asks what we give up in exchange for convenience.
Behind Berwick Street Market
This Drypoint is based on one of my sketches—a dishevelled figure I spotted behind the market, perhaps living on the streets, possibly battling addiction. Around them, pigeons pecked at discarded breadcrumbs, a quiet testament to urban neglect.
I find myself deeply moved by those in our society who have lost their way. Art often idealizes life, but I believe it’s just as important to shine light on the shadows. Through this piece, I aim not only to depict beauty, but also to reflect the raw, overlooked realities that shape our communities.
If any of these works strike a chord—or even spark your curiosity—I’d love to see you at the exhibition or drop a line. There’s something magical about art shared in a physical space: connecting, creating and conversation, with others and within ourselves.
Copyright 2025 by Helen Shaw- All rights reserved
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