Helen Thompson Lancashire, United Kingdom

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I am a visual artist who creates drawing and paintings that explore and express acrobatic movement and embodied experience. In 2022/23, I awarded Arts Council England funding for my project ‘ProPriOception’. I’ve exhibited in solo and group exhibitions, delivered workshops throughout the North West, and completed several Mural commissions for community projects and organisations

My art practice focuses on the body, movement, and embodied experience, with a strong emphasis on mark-making and line. I work intuitively to create drawings, paintings, and mixed media pieces that explore and express these themes drawing upon personal experiences.

I hold a BA (Hons) in Art: Practice & Theory from Lancaster University. In 2022-23, I received Arts Council England funding for ‘ProPriOception’, a project that drew on my background in elite gymnastics. The project explored the tension between the dynamic beauty of acrobatic performance and the intense training environment of elite sports, highlighting the impact on young athletes’ mental health and well-being.

Alongside my personal work, I facilitate workshops across the North West of England. In 2024, I’ve taken on roles such as course assistant for Outside In’s ‘Leading Workshops’ programme in Blackpool and workshop facilitator for their NW NOOK event in Manchester, as well as facilitating workshops at King Street Arts CIC (Lancaster). I’ve undertaken professional development programmes with Arts & Health hub and Outside In, including Safeguarding training and Adult Education Award. Other projects in 2024 include mural commissions for the Lancaster Canal Regeneration Partnership, Kendal Town Council, and BA Fitness.