Helen McLean specialises in creating, original, site-specific art in mosaic, stained glass and paint, commissioned by a wide range of individuals and organizations in the USA, Ireland, and UK. Previous artworks range in size from 1 square foot to over 2000 square feet and all are executed in the finest quality materials. Working closely with the client Helen designs artworks in harmony with the architecture, environment and those that interact with the space.
Her technical skills combined with her ability to problem solve, collaborate, and connect with a shared artistic vision, have generated a wide spectrum of artistic experiences. These range from a 110ft by 9ft painted mural on permanent display in the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, to a 2000 square feet church mosaic artwork in Cape Cod.
Most recently, 'The Wexford Whale Shipwreck Pottery' Public Artworks, were opened in June 2021 on Wexford Quays. The accompanying RTE News feature on the fascinating background leading to the creation of these artworks can be viewed via the Media page on this website. In 2020, during the first lockdown period of the covid-19 pandemic, Helen was commissioned to create a mosaic artwork for St Colmcilles Church, Northern Ireland. The artwork, titled 'Guardian Angel', was a winner in the USA based, annual Faith & Form International Art Competition for 2020. Prior to this, upon completing a large mosaic artwork, also for St Colmcilles Church, Helen was interviewed by the Irish Times in relation to her work. The newspaper article and video of 2017 can again be viewed via the Media page of this site which will take you to the relevant section of the Irish Times website.
In addition to her large scale commissions Helen runs occasional workshop based projects that require an understanding of the needs and abilities of each individual in the group in order to fully encompass their experiences in a meaningful manner. In 2012, the group exhibition ‘Lives Remembered’, commissioned by the Alzheimer Society of Ireland and directed by Helen, won the Emer Lovett Award at the Wexford Opera Festival.
Based in Wexford, Ireland, Helen has travelled and exhibited extensively.