Helen MacRitchie moved to Australia in 2003 having spent most of her life in Europe, in particular her native Scotland. She originally followed her interest in science, with degrees in pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences in the UK.
It wasn't until a move came with her family to Switzerland that she returned to her love of art and textiles. Helen studied design and embroidered textiles by correspondence through the UK City and Guilds accreditation and continues this link today with textile artists in the UK through further diploma studies, workshops and invited exhibitions.
Helen describes herself as both a textile enthusiast and artist who uses a range of different techniques to create texture and colour in her pieces eg. felting, free machine embroidery and lacework. Her work attempts to draw the audience closer and discover interest and detail not instantly obvious.
She is an active member of the Australian Textile Arts and Surface Design Association (ATASDA) frequently participating in their national and travelling exhibitions.
Helen currently works from her home studio on a range of embroidered textiles including handbags and wearable accessories, which she sells through craft group exhibitions, sales and her online website.