A Sense of Self

About the Artwork

Objects preserve a wealth of significant emotion and connection, serving as physical embodiments of identity. The narratives of these objects project a sense of self while sharing stories of lives lived in other places and times. They hold a physical representation of experience, speaking of familial ties and the story of who we were, who we are, and where we have been. 

 

The featured flora comes from Helen’s Garden, a space she has nurtured from a rocky cow paddock. Each plant is imbued with personal significance. Helen hails from a long line of passionate gardeners, and the plants in her garden are often chosen as tributes to friends and ancestors. 

 

Many of Helen’s favourite paintings are views through windows by artists such as Bonnard and Matisse. Helen used the open window motif in this series as a homage to these great artists. The windows provide compositional structure and serve as a tribute to the design of her home, reflecting a sense of possibility and the ongoing journey of the family as they move forward. 

 

Helen's eclectic collection of cherished possessions has been assembled over decades and continents. Each object is valued—whether a humble found item or a precious heirloom. Each is treasured for its unique narrative of seasons, places, and people, informing a deep sense of identity and continuity. 

 

As a family of migrants, these treasures act as direct links to family and places, evidencing identity and serving as tangible connections to who we were, who we are, and where we have been. In a world that has shifted towards minimalism—where we’re encouraged to declutter and "Marie Kondo" our lives—possessing trunks full of “things” can feel guilt-inducing. The custody of a collection can sometimes feel overwhelming, with sentimental attachments creeping in and becoming burdensome.

 

These paintings serve a dual role: as still lifes of aesthetically pleasing objects, and as repositories of narrative and archive. 

 

Helen wonders what will happen when these objects are passed on to the next generation. The stories they tell may inevitably become more distant, more irrelevant—a step removed. The people, experiences, and places they manifest will fade. There is a fine line between sentimental nostalgia and reflection. 

 

This series of paintings honors the objects, their stories, and the connections they represent. They act as archives of lives lived in other places, of travels, and of loved ones gone.