Hi, I’m Helen, an artist and illustrator based in South Yorkshire, England.

Art has always been a central part of my life. As a little girl, I loved drawing princesses and painting rainbows, and visiting art museums and castles from a young age sparked my imagination. Some of my favorite childhood stories were Little Women, Brambly Hedge, and The Little Princess, and at Christmas, I would often paint cards for friends and family.

Although I was born in Ireland, I grew up in France, where I studied English literature. I also spent 6 months studying in Canada before moving to Scotland to earn my teaching degree. I taught French in a high school in Edinburgh for eight years. Some of my favourite memories from that time was getting students to draw illustrated maps of villages to help them learn French shops and planning a class trip from Edinburgh to Paris. We took the train, visited the Musée d’Orsay, enjoyed macarons, and even went on a chocolate tour.

Shortly after that trip, I had my first child, but I struggled with postnatal depression. It was during this difficult time that I rediscovered my love for art. I joined a local art community group that provided childcare, a cup of tea, and endless art supplies. It was like coming back to life. A friend encouraged me to share my work on Instagram, and from there, I began developing my creative voice—moving from minimal fine-line ink drawings to full-colour paintings.

In the past few years, I’ve had the honor of creating commissioned work for clients who align with my ethos and values. I’ve also taught numerous creative workshops in Edinburgh, York, and Doncaster and have sold originals and prints through my online shop.

In Autumn 2024, I launched The Time Foragers’ Club on Substack—a creative community that celebrates seasonal charm and encourages artistic growth and connection.

Contact me

For business inquiries, please write to helen@helencstark.com and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.