Biography
A passion verging on obsession for everything relating to tea and tea drinking is the inspiration for Helaina’s work. She believes tea is a drink for every occasion, from a homely, comforting cuppa, to a proper English afternoon tea. Therefore every tea set every mug or cup and saucer can tell a different tale.
Researching the ceremonies and rituals of drinking tea in bygone eras, Helaina soon realised it was the elegance of the Edwardian era that captured her imagination...
….refined ladies sipping tea from bone china cups, sat at a perfectly laid table, with the flowers of the season, wearing their finest dresses and talking the politest conversation… taking the air in a lovely garden of a beautiful grand house… ‘Shall we go for a walk dear?’ and they wander to the promenade to take in some sea air and enjoy the entertainment on the pier….
Looking at old photographs and postcards, graphics and advertising of the day and, of course, tea sets all helped to define the elements of the Edwardian period which were inspirational to the artist.
This led onto very linear and elegant pen and ink drawings of architecture, including piers, carousels, grand houses, hotels and steam trains, always capturing the intricate details of the ornate iron and stone work.
Using wire to translate these drawings into another form then seemed like a natural progression. Discovering the wire can give a two dimensional drawing a third dimension, bringing the picture to life. What was once an ink illustration on paper, then becomes a wire ‘sculpture’ mounted and springing to life from a board, giving the piece depth and movement.
Tea sets, cups, saucers and cakes can still be seen in Helaina’s work, and takes two forms. 1. Mounted wire work on board, depicting a tea table scene or incorporating a saying (such as ‘not for all the tea in china’ or ‘tea for two.’) 2. Three Dimensional wire illustrations/sculptures of tea sets and cakes.
No two pieces created are ever the same, so the owner of a Helaina Sharpley piece can feel special knowing they have a unique, one off original.
Commissions are welcomed… perhaps a favourite scene or building, or a tea piece incorporating a phrase which means something to you… please do get in touch to discuss ideas and prices.