Artist Statement
My work explores life, death, and the layers of human experience, using glass and metal as both material and metaphor. I am drawn to the rituals and objects we create to honor loss, to remember, and to process grief. Through my kiln-formed glass pieces—most notably my Data Core series—I aim to create tangible forms that carry emotional resonance, evoking the cyclical, layered nature of life and memory.
The Data Core pieces are inspired by natural strata, tree rings, and geological layers—patterns that quietly record the passage of time. I translate these ideas into glass, capturing fragments of color and form that become both meditative objects and vessels for reflection. From these larger works, I craft wearable forms, connecting the personal and the ceremonial, allowing grief and remembrance to inhabit the everyday.
Whether through a contemplative sculpture or a piece of jewelry, my work acknowledges death as a natural part of life, encouraging viewers to approach loss with openness rather than fear. I am interested in the quiet power of objects to help us process emotion, to hold memory, and to honor the rituals—both personal and cultural—that sustain us.
About Me
I am a traditionally trained artist whose journey led me to discover a connection with kiln-formed glass and metal. My work encompasses both wearable and display pieces, each thoughtfully crafted to resonate with the same voice, creating a cohesive dialogue between the two.
Drawing inspiration from both my internal reflections and the external world, my creations often embody a meditative quality, inviting viewers into a space of quiet contemplation. Through the interplay of color, line, shape, and texture, I express my delight in the tactile and visual elements of my materials.
My artistic path began with formal training at Parsons School of Design and culminated in a BA in Studio Art from Florida State University. It was there, in my senior year, that I encountered jewelry making, sparking a lasting interest. In 2009, I was introduced to kiln-formed glass, a medium that captivated me and has become central to my practice. Since 2016, I have been working toward combining my glass and metal work to embody my artistic focus.
In 2020, Jennifer Stenhouse, Julia Lowther, and Helen created Little Metal Foxes, LLC (LMF). Little Metal Foxes offers live jewelry and related classes for makers at all levels who want to acquire skills and connect with the jewelry community from around the world.
helen (at) helencowart (dot) com • Sydney, NSW, Australia