HELEN ROBINS

As an artist, I am interested in exploring the consequences human actions have on our environment. With ocean temperatures rising, coral reefs are experiencing massive bleaching events which can lead to their eventual decline. This artwork aims to explore the need to protect these ecosystems against the detrimental effects of global warming.

My ceramic sculpture, Adaptive Defence represents an imagined future where the coral has evolved to survive against extreme environmental stress. The once vibrant and colourful coral has turned pale and white, a sign of its bleaching and impending death. To survive, it has fused with metal spikes as defence mechanisms against human interference. The coral has now become a hybrid creature, a ghostlike reflection of its former self; the metal spikes a symbol of its last desperate measure to survive.

The process of creating this sculpture involved experimentation with clay and metal, exploring the contrasting properties and how they merge together. The individual pieces of clay are layered to represent the coral with the metal spikes integrated into the ceramic form; creating a sense of organic growth. This piece is designed to highlight the contrast between nature and artificial materials, with the smooth, organic curves of coral juxtaposed with sharp, angular spikes of metal. Through this work I hope to generate awareness about the impact of climate change on our planet and the possible consequences for the future. By blending natural forms with manmade materials, I am suggesting that we must find a way to work in harmony with nature rather than against it.

Helen Robins is a self-taught ceramicist living in coastal Perth, Western Australia.

Working primarily with paper clay, she draws inspiration from the ocean to create delicate and complex sculptures reflecting her own artist vision of the marine environment. She is currently interested in the effects of climate change and the threat to our ocean systems with a focus on coral bleaching caused by raised sea temperatures.

Helen’s interest in ceramics began with community education classes but quickly became a passion as she refined her skills and experimented with different techniques. After 25 years of experience with clay, she established her studio in 2015. She has since gone on to win several art awards and has had work acquired by public and commercial collections. Helen currently works from her home studio; continuing to exhibit regularly in galleries and art shows in Western Australia.

Helen Robins

Adaptive Defence (detail) 2023

Earthernware paperclay, steel