About the Artist

I'm Helen Lambert, an early career fine and decorative artist, illustrator and designer. I started painting and drawing when I was old enough to pick up a paintbrush, and haven't stopped since. I took a brief hiatus from my art to read Classics to BA and MPhil level at Cambridge University, but I've since recovered, and currently live alone in a tiny flat in North London, working as a freelance artist and designer.

Paint has always been my medium of choice. I work primarily in oils on canvas, and have a deep love for the richness and flexibility of the medium. I have developed a style which could be called 'magic-realist', incorporating classical painting techniques - such as monochromatic underpainting, and the authentic depiction of light and shadow - with layered imagery and symbolic elements to create a mythological or dreamlike effect. I focus on themes of nature and supernature, the magic that is tangible in the world all around us, the relationships between humans and the divine, and between humans and humans. I enjoy figurative work more than any other, particularly portraiture.

I have been self-employed since finishing my graduate degree in 2006. I support myself through a heady combination of freelance web and graphic design, selling paintings and prints, taking commissions for custom artworks, acting and performance art. I also work as a decorative artist for festivals and clubs, and enjoy facepainting, body-art and tattoo design.

I currently have selected solo pieces on display in the Pembury Tavern in Hackney, and I exhibit at art fairs and shows when I can. I also sell artworks online through Etsy.com - my online shop is viewable here.

My skills include illustration, web/graphic design, HTML/XHTML, CSS, Javascript, Adobe Suite, Quark and Indesign. I always enjoy experimenting in new media and working with other people. I have experience working in oil paint and pastel, charcoal, graphite, ink, acrylic and watercolour, glass and ceramic paint, egg tempera, collage, screen and lino printing, willow weaving, three-dimensional sculpture and installation, clay, plaster of paris, textiles and wood.

I also enjoy hoola hooping, playing music in pubs, cooking, blogging and drinking real ale.