helen acklam.
Helen Acklam is an artist living and working from South-West Scotland. In 2012 she graduated with a degree in Drawing from the University of Cumbria. Inspired by the Scottish highlands and islands, she uses a variety of media to convey her interest in this breathtaking landscape.
The main subject in her latest collection of works are the cottages, bothies and shielings from the Isle of Lewis and the Outer Hebrides. Many of these structures, that lie derelict in isolated areas, were once home to the previous generations of islanders. Acklam’s work celebrates the beauty of these historic constructions, bringing life back to them.
Her mixed media work is developed using a blend of different relevant materials and textures, for instance, the use of sand from Luskentyre beach brings a sense of belonging and adds authenticity to the work, combined with acrylic paint, ink, gouache and graphite, to achieve the desired topography.
Old local spiritual books are introduced in the form of collage, to represent the faith and beliefs observed in the communities in the isles, alongside handmade paper and corrugated cardboard, adding substance to the atmospheric depictions.
With the combination of all the various significant and symbolic elements, Acklam succeeds to beautifully breathe new life into these often deserted and derelict places.