Description
Our handprinted neoprene wine cooler is the inspiration of Hampshire based illustrator, Helen Locke.
About the Artist
Helen’s degree is in Illustration from Liverpool JMU followed by an MA in Narrative Illustration.
She began combining screen print with heat transfer onto fabric during an artist’s residency @Ochreprint in Guildford. After investing in a heat press from ADColour in Shepperton she began using the heat transfer inks with community groups via the Watts Gallery.
Since moving to Surrey in 2010, Helen and her husband, Chris, enjoy exploring the vineyards of Surrey and Hampshire. Chris wanted to build his knowledge of new wines since working at Oddbins in his student days. He embarked on a WSET course and meanwhile, Helen took her sketchbook to some of the local vineyards.
She makes drawings of the harvest in October, the spring pruning and inflorescence. These capture the muscular, stark shapes of the vines in winter as well as the way the abstract lines of wire and wood support the lush fruit and leafy tendrils in the summer. She is currently working with these drawings to create a body of work, on textiles and paper.
Every handprinted neoprene wine cooler begins with Helen painting with heat transfer inks onto paper. This turns into a gas in the heat press and transfers vibrant colour onto the neoprene.
Helen has created these gorgeous wine coolers especially for Top Note Design. If you would like to see some more of Helen’s illustrations you can visit her etsy site – etsy.com/uk/shop/helenlockestudio
