It's OK
(Not to be Perky)
I use painting to express and process my emotions. This collection explores my feelings of connection and disconnection to life around me through intersecting, overlapping forms, merging together, being both isolated and joined by strong lines.
Bold colours and a variety of textures describe these entangled forms as they collide and connect on the canvas. Where they overlap, a new colour and texture is created, highlighting these connections and their positive impact. Through the series, this connection grows as the forms become even more entwined and indistinguishable.
The exhibition’s title reminds us it's ok not to be ok and that we can share these feelings. The world can be a strange and confusing place so we must remember that we’re not alone.
Exhibitions
Interviews
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More Than Just Happy Art: The Perky Painter
Lippy Magazine
October 28, 2018 by Bella Davis
Tucked away in a corner of Leeds Town Centre sits The Arch Cafe, a cafe run by Leeds Age UK which runs solely on charitable donations and people eating and drinking in the charming grade II listed building. Their charity work is fundamental for the elderly around Leeds who benefit from the proceeds and safe haven The Arch Cafe offers.
Currently, the venue is host to some very happy art created by Leeds-based artist Helen Gibson aka The Perky Painter. Helen recently took part in the Love Arts Festival, arranged by the organisation Arts and Minds. For one fortnight, mental health and the arts have been at the forefront of discussion in the aim of helping people who suffer use art to aid their struggle and destigmatize the ongoing problems surrounding mental illnesses. Although the festival finished on the 13th October, Helen’s work will still be displayed in The Arch café until the end of October.
Helen has always loved painting and creating because her “heart feels happy and fulfilled” when she does. She recreates feelings of joy with big arm gestures and dance-like movements when she is painting. Looking at her artwork displayed, you can see the beautiful vibrant acrylic she uses with each painting which are packed full of character and charm. When speaking to Helen she stated, “it would be selfish to contain this, I want to
share”.
All her paintings are inspired by looking and seeing beyond the norm into a world of colour, texture and personality. Her recent series of work entitled ‘It’s Okay Not To Be Perky’ which explore Helen’s feelings of connection and disconnection in life brightens your day and lifts your spirit even on the darkest of days. The bold forms on each canvas collide, overlap, merge and connect highlighting the anxieties that can occur when living our daily lives. Each painting brings the walls of the cafe to life with exaggerated colours that are bright and simple emulating the joys of childhood and sheer happiness.
It is clear to see that mental health is very important to Helen. The hope is that even if her paintings can make an impact to just one person’s life during a festival like Love Arts then she has fulfilled her role as The Perky Painter. Art is Helen’s creative outlet and she says “it’s how I deal with the bad days. If I can raise awareness and help someone, ease some isolation or loneliness, then my work is worthwhile.” Helen, or the Perky Painter has made it clear to me that the use of spirited artwork and whimsical characters really can cast light upon people struggling with the cloudy days in Leeds.
Or please get in touch today to enquire about an artwork seen here
