ABOUT HELEN PLATANIA
I am an exhibiting & commissioned visual artist living in Melbourne, where I work from my home studio. Born in Wales and emigrating to Australia as a teenager, I followed a creative path through jewellery design, mosaic & painting. Although predominantly a mixed media painter, I have an insatiable experimental side and a love of learning new skills and techniques. Art journaling plays an important role in my process.
As a passionate advocate for sharing my knowledge in the local community, I have held 'Artist in Resident' positions in several primary schools and run creative classes and workshops for both women and children.
I work regularly with local council on Arts events, community projects and the development of grant driven initiatives, such as 'Creative Time Out'- an 8 week art program for mothers of Autistic children.
I have been an active member of ‘TAM’ (A female group of exhibiting visual artists) since 2012.
During the Covid-19 crisis, my work focused on the effects of isolation resulting in the development of 'The Freedom Bird Project'. The project’s aim was to connect individuals with their wider community through an easily accessible art project. To date, over 300 paper birds have been contributed to a growing community installation.