As Helena and her daughter sat together waiting to see doctors and therapists, they developed a world that kept them both safe from the fear of the unknown waiting behind the closed doors of long hallways.
Artist Statement
The series Bird Island uses materials that are available to Helena Bogucki in her studio. Her collected banana-tree fibres, copper and enamels were all she needed to portray an imagined place. The Bird Island concept was created in hospital waiting rooms and specialist clinic appointments. As Helena and her daughter sat together waiting to see doctors and therapists, they developed a world that kept them both safe from the fear of the unknown waiting behind the closed doors of long hallways.
The birds of Bird Island are unpredictable and playful. They exist within a hierarchy of royalty, traders and village folk. The island is big. The flora is still being collected for documentation and maps are hand drawn, referencing the geography of the island. The works are the field notes, the documentation and the final works.
Biography
Helena Bogucki is an independent designer who makes jewellery and objects that combine formed and found pieces, reflecting a passing moment or conversation.
Helena begins her work in the field. Foraging and taking samples from her surrounds, Helena is a collector with an adventurous spirit who seeks inspiration from objects and people.She documents the process from her studio in Western Australia. The catalogued information and findings provide souvenirs that are often as valuable as the fine art jewellery and objects she makes.
Helena has exhibited her fine art jewellery across Australia. She creates her works in vast locations whilst exploring the origins of design and creating new work in the field. She has participated in national and international residencies and her work has been acquired by the Art Gallery of Western Australia and the City of Perth.
Helena has a keen interest in all things feline sharing her studio with four affectionate, and sometimes conflicted, cats. They constantly provide her with amusement and sometimes lend a hand.
Helena was born in 1980 Exeter, England. Arrived in New Zealand 1993 then to Australia in 1998. She currently lives and works in Perth, Western Australia.
Connect
Website: helenabogucki.com
list of works
1
Helena Bogucki
Bird Island VIII
Enamel, copper, sterling silver, banana fibre, pearl shell, ink; enamelled, engraved, oxidised
60x9x1cm
NFS
2
Helena Bogucki
Bird Island II
Found shell purse, sterling silver, copper, ink, banana fibre; enamelled, engraved, oxidised
60x11x1cm
NFS
3
Helena Bogucki
Bird Island IV
Enamel, copper, sterling silver, banana fibre, pearl shell, ink; enamelled, engraved, oxidised
60x8x1cm
NFS
4
Helena Bogucki
Bird Island X
Enamel, copper, sterling silver, banana fibre, pearl shell, ink; enamelled, engraved, oxidised
60x7x1cm
NFS
5
Helena Bogucki
Bird Island XI
Enamel, copper, sterling silver, banana fibre, porcelain beads, pearl shell, ink; enamelled, engraved, oxidised
60x10x1cm
NFS
6
Helena Bogucki
Bird Island V
Enamel, copper, sterling silver, banana fibre, pearl shell, brass beads, ink; enamelled, engraved, oxidised
60×4.5x2cm
NFS
7
Helena Bogucki
Bird Island VI
Enamel, copper, sterling silver, banana fibre, pearl shell, ink; enamelled, engraved, oxidised
60×4.5x2cm
NFS
8
Helena Bogucki
Bird Island VII
Enamel, copper, sterling silver, banana fibre, tusk shell, pearl shell, ink; enamelled, engraved, oxidised
65x11x1cm
NFS
9
Helena Bogucki
Bird Island I
Found shell purse, sterling silver, pearl shell, ink, banana fibre; enamelled, engraved, oxidised
60x7x4cm
NFS
10
Helena Bogucki
Bird Island IX
Enamel, copper, sterling silver, banana fibre, pearl shell, ink; enamelled, engraved, oxidised
60x6x1cm
NFS
11
Helena Bogucki
Bird Island XII
Found shell purse, sterling silver, pearl shell, ink, banana fibre; enamelled, engraved, oxidised
90x10x4cm
NFS
12
Helena Bogucki
Bird Island III
Enamel, copper, sterling silver, banana fibre, pearl shell, ink; enamelled, engraved, oxidised
60x6x1cm
NFS
Artwork
