Bio | Helen Simmons Botanical Art

I have always painted and have mainly been drawn to fine, detailed work, both through jewellery making and watercolours.

Since 2016 I have focused on Botanical Art which brings together my love of watercolours and the natural world.

I have lived near Marble Hill, in Donegal on the Atlantic coast since the early 1970s and have never had to go very far for inspiration.

Just to confuse you,

I also use the name

Helen McCleary,

have poetry published, sold and exhibited some artwork using this name.

Studied:

Botanical Art at the Society of Botanical Art UK

2016-18.

Jewellery at Birmingham School of

Jewellery and Silversmithing 1971-73

Fine Art at the Ulster College of Art and Design

1969-71

Exhibitions:
Botanical & Floral Art in Bloom 2019 (Highly Commended Award)

Éireannach Exhibition, Dublin 2018

Claregalway Botanical art Expo 2018

Foyle Pride Queer Art Exhibition 2015

Open Art Competition 1995, 1996, 1998, 2014, 2019

Glebe Gallery, Church Hill, Co. Donegal.

Cristeph Gallery, Port Road, Letterkenny,

Co.Donegal. 2000

Solo Exhibition, Arnolds Hotel, Dunfanaghy,

Co. Donegal. 1999

Taispeántas Ealaíne Chlub Chonradh na Gaeilge,

Dublin 1995

Artworks Exhibition, Central Library,

Letterkenny, Co.Donegal 1996

Iris in Bloom Exhibition, Derry 1997

Joint Exhibitions: Workhouse, Dunfanaghy,

Co. Donegal. 1996 and 1997

Publications:
Éireannach - Celebrating Native Plants of Ireland

2018