Mslexia, the magazine for women who write | www.mslexia.co.uk
Mslexia news
And the winner is...
...Helen Coburn, with her piece 'Alchemy.'
Congratulations to Helen, whose image (right) appears as the cover of issue 41 of Mslexia in celebration of our tenth year in publishing. Click on the image to see a larger version.
"Most of all, it was an arresting image that piqued our curiousity..." - Daneet Steffens, Mslexia editor
We ended up with many strong images to choose from, but, as Daneet Steffens, Mslexia editor, explains, "Helen Coburn's 'Alchemy' was an image we were thoroughly intrigued by. We knew it was a bold choice, but we grew more and more attached to the 'riddle' aspect of it. We liked the fact that it had narrative, figural and abstract aspects to it. Most of all, it was an arresting image that piqued our curiousity and our interest; it made us want to find out the story behind it.
"We felt that it would make people want to open up the cover of the magazine, to find out what it was all about. It very much suited the recent redesign and new look of Mslexia: contemporary, clean, fresh, innovative, unique, unusual, thoughtful and compelling. We are delighted to be featuring Helen on our cover, and extend our warmest congratulations to her." As part of her prize, Helen also wins £500.
Helen Coburn on her work:
"'Alchemy' is a collection of images and objects associated with writing. It uses the recognisably contemporary alongside those more timeless images from history, culture and mythology. These images are spread out like objects in a Cabinet of Curiosities or an Alchemist’s drawer. This perhaps gives each object a sense history and of wonderment. I wanted to explore the idea of writing as a transformation and the writer as the alchemist.
"I wanted to explore the idea of writing as a transformation and the writer as the alchemist." - Helen Coburn
"My works combine hand-made elements with digital collage. I collect and explore materials as well as images to create an interesting visual texture. This hopefully encourages a closer look at the illustration. I think of the best way to describe each object, for example, an ink pot made from lines of blue-inked writing or a typewriter with gold-leaf keys.
"I feel very privileged to have my illustration on the cover of Mslexia Magazine. The creative freedom involved in this project was very exciting and I was able to explore the ideas I really enjoy such as story telling and the transformative nature of creative work. To me it is a type of alchemy."
HELEN COBURN: studied Fine Art at Lancaster University and has recently graduated and returned to the North East to live and work.
Previous Mslexia Covers
To see a range of the covers we have had in the past, click here.
