IN THE STUDIO WITH ARTIST HELEN BOYD

Hong Kong-based artist Helen Boyd studied art in Christchurch, New Zealand and Melbourne, Australia before moving to Hong Kong in 2002 and creating H Studio Gallery, a creative hub offering art classes, workshops and exhibitions with resident and guest artists from around the world and all walks of life. She recently took time out from running her thriving art business to chat with us about her life as a creative entrepreneur.

 

Hi Helen, thanks for chatting with us. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what led you to become an artist?

I’m an Australian artist practising and residing in Hong Kong, I’ve lived here for 16 years. A couple of years ago I founded H Studio Gallery, an artist hub in Sai Kung, consisting of three women artists. It’s our full-time working studio and I also use the space for regular exhibitions to support other artists, art classes, workshops and open days.

Painting and drawing were something I’ve always done since childhood, I love it.

 

Can you describe your artistic style in one or two sentences?

My style is colourful, textured and bold. I’m a painter, who also uses mixed media and I draw a lot too!

 

How is the art scene in Hong Kong different to other places you’ve lived and worked?

Hong Kong is a vibrant inspiring place for an artist, however, initially, I was surprised by the lack of artist-run space compared to Australia and New Zealand. This in turn, inspired me to open my first artist run studio gallery, studio2 in Soho.

After moving to Hong Kong you created studio2, an artist-run studio and gallery, and then H Studio Gallery. What inspired you to create those spaces?

I had my first solo exhibition and through that, a friendship evolved with the studio gallery owner, from there she invited me to join her in the space. From here studio2 was born, a small studio gallery that offered art classes, workshops, free artist talks, exhibitions for students, emerging and established artist as well as being our own functional studio. I’ve been really fortunate to work with numerous inspiring artists over the years.

Can you tell us a little bit about what goes on at H Studio Gallery?

H Studio Gallery is an artist run hub I’ve created which consists of three women artists and three studios. My studio also acts as a chameleon of a room and changes into a space for life drawing groups, art classes, artist talks, guest artist workshops and exhibitions.

What is the most difficult part about running your own business?

Time ! As a full-time practising artist, it’s always challenging to find the balance between creating my own art and running studio events.

What motivates you and keeps you going even on the tough days?

My family’s support (they give me tough love when needed along with praise) artistic passion and the hope I might inspire other emerging artists to put themselves out there.

You’re not only a professional artist and creative entrepreneur but a mother of three boys. How do you balance work and family life?

My three sons are all adults now finished university and working in Australia, so we are officially empty nesters, an interesting journey after being a young parent. When the boys were younger I studied in both Australia and New Zealand, that was a tough juggle. I think the positives overall have been worth it for my family and myself. We are also grandparents now and our granddaughter intuitively loves drawing, it is my hope my work inspires her, I’ve already taken her to the art gallery a few times!

 

If you could go back to the early days when you were just starting out your business and give yourself some advice, what would it be?

Get some basic business education and its okay to say ‘no’ to people sometimes.

As the founder of an artistic hub where loads of artists come together to create and collaborate, you must meet some pretty inspiring people. Can you tell us about another female artist in your community who inspires you and why?

Lori Foster and Narelle Cridland who are part of the H studio gallery hub inspire me with their ongoing passion around their work, work ethic and intelligence. It’s really unique to have other artists to share with as being an artist can be very isolating at times. Lori is a good support during studio events and long term friend.

I also love the work of artist Rachel Smith of @senselessart whom I do volunteer work with weekly. Rachel is one of the guest artists who workshops with me, as well as being an amazing artist she’s a good mate and sounding board.

 

Check out more of Helen Boyd’s work and please show your support!

helenbronteboyd.com
H Studio Gallery Facebook
instagram.com/helenbronteboydartist

 

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