Staff with hidden talents - meet Helen Burgess

Tell us a little bit about yourself

I'm part time Biodiversity Data Officer for the Sussex Biodiversity Record Centre, where I go by the name Helen, and part-time potter, where I go by the name nosey mungo!

How, why and when did you get into pottery?

I’ve loved art and wildlife with equal passion all of my life. I got my best grades at school in art and biology and was torn between the two when it came to choosing what to study at university. I always assumed I’d go to art school, but after becoming more aware of all the issues facing our environment, I decided on a geography degree. I went back to do a Masters in Biodiversity Surveying and this eventually led me to an amazing job at the Sussex Biodiversity Record Centre in 2008. The onset of fibromyalgia a few years later meant I had to cut down my hours at the office and led me to rediscover my love of art. Evening pottery classes led to a new-found hobby which slowly became a part-time business. I’m back to combining my two passions in life and feel very lucky to have this working pattern.

Where do you work (as a potter)?

My studio is at my parents’ house in Cuckfield, the village where I was born and grew up in. I live in central Hove now so being able to escape the city and spend two days a week in the countryside is great. I also get to take the family dogs out for walks, which I absolutely love.

What do you love about doing it?

I’ve realised that making clay animals is something I need to do. It enables me to get lost in the moment and, as with many art forms, is very therapeutic for that reason. I find that I’m less focused on my symptoms while I’m making and can work much longer hours than if I was sat at a computer.

Tell us about what you make and how it relates to wildlife in Sussex?

Animals have always been my subject matter and I can’t see that changing! I use ceramic clay which I fire up to stoneware temperatures and I’ve recently been experimenting more with mixed media, especially for tricky creatures like insects which require wire legs.

Although I like to make weird and wonderful creatures from across the globe, being born and raised in Sussex means I’ve obviously had to make some species closer to home over the years. Recent favourites have been a Red Deer stag, Bechstein’s Bat, Little Owl, family of Beavers and a Common Dor Beetle (on some dung of course!).

What inspires you and what are you trying to say with your pieces?

The huge array of species out there inspires me. I get to learn about new creatures all the time and I love researching to find out interesting facts about them. It also means I’ll never run out of inspiration for what to make next. I have about 30 animals on my to-do list which have either been suggested to me or I’ve discovered through the news or nature documentaries.

Some of my pieces are more true to life than others. I definitely use artistic licence to play around with anatomy and colours. The level of how abstract I go depends on the day and the mood I’m in! What does remain constant though is the cubist placement of facial features, the side eye looks and a bit of silliness.

Tell us about the Sir David Attenborough connection!

I’ve gained a bit of a reputation for turning up to events where my wildlife heroes are going to be, armed with one of my ceramic creatures. I ask them to autograph the piece in permanent marker which I keep for myself or auction off for charity. But the photos of the meeting have been used to highlight a conservation cause at the time, for example by tapping into Brian May and Chris Packham’s love of Badgers. I’ve got to say though, meeting Sir David Attenborough at a book signing, shaking his hand and handing over a ceramic Darwin’s Frog I’d made him is going to be a highlight of my life. I often wonder if he kept it and if it’s on show anywhere in his house.

Find out more about her work on Helen's website HERE and follow her on Instagram HERE