Helen O’Connor - O’Connor_Helen_1_detail.JPG

Helen O’Connor - O’Connor_Helen_1_detail-2.JPG

Helen O’Connor - O’Connor_Helen_1_detail-3.JPG

Helen O’Connor - O’Connor_Helen_1_detail-4.JPG

Helen O’Connor
Wild Rose vs White Sweet-Clover

Media: White sweet-clover handmade paper, pressed flowers, acrylic paint, beeswax

Artist Statement:
White sweet-clover is an invasive plant species in the Yukon. It grows in disturbed lands and takes over native species such as the wild rose. In doing so it changes the habitat disrupting food sources for wild animals such as snowshoe hare, bears and grosbeak. This artist book is made from white sweet-clover fibre. By cutting and harvesting this plant I am helping to eradicate it and raise awareness by using its fibre in works of art in exhibition. The plant itself is quite lovely and sweet smelling. Pollinators such as honey bees love it! Grown in a habitat that keeps it in balance it has great benefits.

Biography

Helen O’Connor is a visual artist who makes handmade paper from oriental and local fibres to create works of art. Papermaking for O’Connor is a physical connection to the past and to the earth. Helen’s work is process informed and influenced by the natural surroundings of her home in the Yukon. She uses paper sculpturally to create assemblages, artist books and installation often incorporating elements of mixed media, film and dance.

O’Connor studied visual art at University of Victoria, University of Western Ontario and the Ontario College of Art. She has developed her art through creative residencies in Scotland, Ireland, Italy and at Canada’s Banff Centre. Her work is exhibited nationally and internationally. In 2016, Helen studied Japanese papermaking (Washi) in Japan. She uses this paper to create cyanotype prints and luminous sculptural works.