From My Caribbean Island to Meeting the Prince of England!
BY Jade Smith
Childhood inspired her art in the Caribbean.
Nestled within the breathtaking beauty of Nevis, where verdant hills cascade like a lush, vibrant tapestry beneath an endless, azure sky, the acclaimed artist Helen France MBE unearthed a profound passion for the arts that would forever shape the trajectory of her life.
Using Natural flora to make paints, inspired by the beauty of the Caribbean, to paint
This Caribbean gem, alive with a symphony of vivid flora, gently cradled by the soothing lullaby of ocean waves, sparked a creative fire within her. It compelled her to craft exquisite masterpieces that mirrored the dazzling brilliance of her surroundings. “The island was my muse—the rich mosaic of landscapes, the sparkling turquoise sea, and the warm, inviting smiles of its people became my teachers during those formative years. I was utterly captivated by this kaleidoscope of colours.
“I began concocting paint from the blossoms in my garden, using stones and earth as my palette. Colour and painting have been my lifelong companions; it felt as if I were destined to create,” Helen shares, her eyes sparkling with the joy of cherished memories that dance before her.
The vibrant symphony of hues from her garden, where flowers pirouette gracefully in the warm Caribbean breeze, fuelled her artistic imagination and ignited a yearning to convey the unparalleled beauty of her homeland to the world.
Attending Art School in the UK
However, upon relocating to the UK, Helen faced daunting challenges at art college, especially as a woman of colour navigating an environment that often felt foreign and inhospitable. “The other students kept their distance, echoing a sense of exclusion that stung deeply. At that time, I didn’t fully understand that their coldness stemmed from my appearance. Nevertheless, I made a conscious choice to absorb every ounce of knowledge available in the realm of Art. I immersed myself in my studies, honing my skills and nurturing my distinctive artistic voice,” she reflects, the resilience of her spirit illuminating her words like a beacon of hope.
Carving out a distinct path in the art world
Through sheer determination and an unyielding spirit, Helen carved out a distinct path in the art world, refusing to let obstacles dictate her journey. Her captivating paintings beautifully intertwine the vibrant exuberance of Caribbean culture with the charming essence of Yorkshire, masterfully encapsulating the duality of her life experiences. Beyond her artistic pursuits, Helen has embraced the role of mentor with passionate fervour, ardently guiding emerging talent and nurturing their creative aspirations, determined to help them flourish.
As an Artist Collaborating with Schools, Theatres, Community Groups, Universities, and Art Galleries
Throughout her extraordinary career, Helen has collaborated with an impressive array of organisations — from schools and theatres to universities, youth clubs, and galleries. She generously invests her time and wisdom into igniting the flames of creativity in future generations, fostering an enriching ecosystem ripe for artistic exploration and innovation.
Meeting Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace to receive her MBE
A defining moment in her remarkable journey occurred on the day she received her MBE at the illustrious Buckingham Palace, standing proudly before the esteemed Prince Charles. With a heart brimming with pride, she reminisces, “I was utterly overwhelmed with honour as I stood before the prince in that magnificent palace. It felt surreal to think that an island girl like me, born in Nevis, could one day find herself in such a majestic place — a moment I will treasure forever.”
A Recent Art Exhibition celebrating Aunt Dolly’s Claypot in the community of Leeds, UK
Recently, Helen has immersed herself in her latest project, “Aunt Dolly’s Claypot.” This captivating collection intricately weaves the rich narratives surrounding traditional clay pots—an essential component of Caribbean culture — while paying heartfelt homage to her beloved Aunt Dolly, a pivotal figure in her artistic journey.
Through her artwork, Helen underscores the importance of preserving traditional craftsmanship while simultaneously celebrating the vibrant, resilient spirit of the Caribbean community.
Speaking about her recent exhibition and the space she choose to exhibit Helen said: “I was so pleased to hold the exhibition: ‘Aunt Dolly’s Claypot in the heart of Harehills, Leeds, UK, at the Shine community and business hub, a great space in the heart of the Harehills community, not only do they hold classes, advice centres and so much more, they also offer a space through the building to exhibit art, which is terrific.”
Honouring the legacy of the trailblazing women who came before. ‘My goal as an artist is to keep Aunt Dolly’s memory alive!
With unwavering conviction, she asserts, “Art should be accessible to everyone. In my recent exhibition, Aunt Dolly’s Claypot, I aimed to honour the legacy of the trailblazing women who came before us. My goal as an artist is to keep Aunt Dolly’s memory alive. She was an extraordinary woman who crafted stunning clay pots from natural materials, lovingly shaping, baking, and painting each piece while teaching other women to master the craft. She empowered countless island women, helping them forge livelihoods through this cherished tradition.”
Each piece Helen creates transcends mere artistry; it serves as a bridge, connecting people and communities, inspiring and encouraging creativity in all who encounter her enchanting works.
