About me

Helen Dearnley (aka Blackbird) is an international fine artist and illustrator BA (hons) Fine Art & Illustration based in the city of Lincoln.

I combine a conceptual approach developed as part of my fine art practice, with a variety of techniques within my work as an illustrator.

Theoretical basis behind this stems from research relating to Jean Baudrillard, Philip K Dick, Jorge Luis Borges, Gaston Bachelard, which is realised in a wide range of creative processes, including the comic world of A-ha, dolls, sculpture, drawing, digital work and animation.

As an illustrator, my interest in comics extends to graphic novels, alongside which I also accept commissions for editorial work, book illustrations, music industry collaborative work, and am open to suggestions for new projects according to the brief, if my skills fit the project.

Currently working on a self directed graphic novel concept.

The blackbird is the artist's signature; blackbirds represent the realm between waking life and The Land Of Motionless Childhood, which is near Pinchbeck.

Helen has exhibited in Norway, London, Lincoln, Nottingham, Berlin, Italy, U.S.A, Brighton, and is available for freelance commissions.

Skills

Photoshop, After Effects, Illustrator, 3D dolls and sculpture, graphic novel illustration, self published comics, printmaking, graphic design, photography, website design, animation

Sector Experience

International fine artist and illustrator, with previous exhibitions in Lincoln, London, Norway, Berlin, U.S.A. Italy, Nottingham, Brighton, Holmfirth Arts Festival. Comics have been exhibited in Nottingham, Brighton, Holmfirth zine library., Commissions for book illustration and editorial., Collaborative work with music industry - have worked with Magne Furuholmen and Apparatjik.

Awards

BA (hons) Fine Art & Illustration

Clients

Mobile News magazine, Pal H Christiansen, Tanja Fleck

Trade Associations

Association of Illustrators, a-n magazine