Helen Ahpornsiri

HELEN AHPORNSIRI

Helen Ahpornsiri (pronounced Ahh-pon-si-ree) is an illustrator based in East Sussex, UK.

All Helen's work is made using 100% real flowers, petals, stems and leaves. These are grown or foraged responsibly before being placed in a flower press.

Helen works with a variety of flora, preferring fern and wildflower species. Helen is interested in the idea of preserving plants and giving them a new narrative.

A guiding principle Helen follows in working with natural materials is always to contribute more than she takes.

After 1-6 weeks of pressing, the flora and foliage is flat and ready to use – preserved in their natural colours, with no paints or dyes. 

Each piece is then cut and delicately positioned to form detailed illustrations; all brimming with the intricate twists and tangles of plant life.

If foraging from the wild, Helen follows the BSBI code of conduct. She only collects small specimens from abundant species, being careful to cause as little disturbance to the environment as possible.

Some artworks are made using pressed seaweed. The seaweed is forages in small quantities at high tide when washed up on the strand line, or low tide when loose pieces are collected in rock pools, and always with permission from the beach owners.

Helen's book “A Year in the Wild” (Big Picture Press) has been translated into fifteen languages. Her work has been licensed to Anthropologie and is a major new stationery and paper product range for Museums & Galleries. titled Wild Press. Clients include Templar Publishing, The Art Group, Paper Products Design, Godiva Japan, and Flow Magazine.

Q & A

What makes your heart sing?

“I’ve always felt a need to make things. I’m not sure why, its like a little buzzing purpose.”

What is your favourite piece any why?

“The barn owl in ‘A Year in the Wild. It was a challenge to make working on a black page meant I was very limited in the plants I could use. I was pleased with the outcome and the mix of dense detail alongside negative space”.