Helen Layfield

I make dolls or figurative soft sculptures, my work revolves around self exploration, discovery and identity with personal narrative at the core.

I follow no techniques and no specific methodology. With no constraints or judgement, the figures materialise intuitively. The making has a simplicity, yet the multi-layers of story, in colours, materials, and shapes, powerfully reveal the emotional and spiritual self, less so the physical representation. Woven through each figure is the Japanese philosophy of wabi–sabi; that is, to see and accept the beauty of imperfection and impermanence.

The fabric, buttons, beads, and other components, as well as the psychology of colour are very important in the telling of the story: these not only create the physical structures, they also bestow a symbolic significance. Society, culture and heritage alters the narrative for both the me as the maker and for the audience.

I run in person workshops in UK, Spain and America. I also have a series of online workshops. I make soft sculpture, dolls, quilts and textile books, I accept comissions.