Helena and the moon

120cm H x 120cm W

Materials: Silk and linen with cotton thread.

Technique: Freestyle stitched and coloured with Inktense pencils.

Artist Statement — Helena and the Moon

Helena and the Moon is a meditation on cycles—of life, growth, transformation, and quiet observation within the Australian bush. Created from linen and silk, the quilt brings together natural materials and freeform stitching to echo the organic rhythms of the landscape it represents.

The outer border is freestyle quilted with flowing gum leaves and blossoms, within which small blue wrens are subtly hidden—quiet presences that reward close looking and speak to the intimacy of nature. Moving inward, dragonflies drift across the second border, symbolising transformation and the cyclical nature of life.

At the heart of the quilt, a circular composition draws the eye into a more contemplative space. Eucalypt trees emerge in layered detail, surrounding hand-dyed silk moons that shift in tone and texture. Encircling this inner world are the Helena Gum Moths, whose life cycle is deeply intertwined with eucalypt forests. Found in Tasmania and eastern Australia, these moths begin life feeding on gum leaves before transforming into ephemeral, nocturnal beings—mirroring the broader themes of renewal and change woven throughout the piece.

The quilting itself is intuitive and responsive, allowing the forms to evolve freely rather than follow rigid structure. This approach reflects the unpredictability and beauty of the natural environment.

Through Helena and the Moon, I explore the delicate balance between stillness and transformation, inviting the viewer to slow down, look closely, and connect with the hidden narratives embedded in the natural world.