AN INNOVATIVE young local artist is hoping to light up St Ives with an exhibition of some of her best and boldest work.

AN INNOVATIVE young local artist is hoping to light up St Ives with an exhibition of some of her best and boldest work.

Helen Tyler, 26, whose talent was showcased on BBC 1’s art programme Hart Beat, began painting at the age of three.

After gaining a first class honours degree in fine art from Anglia Ruskin University in 2006, the artist, who is from St Ives, has continued to produce staggering pieces of art which makes use of bold colours and striking images.

Speaking exclusively to The Hunts Post, Helen said: “Art is my life.

“I’m so passionate about it, and to raise money by painting, for such an amazing charity as Africa Unplugged, is a privilege.”

Helen explained how she has sponsored art materials for vulnerable children in Malawi, the results of which will also be shown at the exhibition alongside her own work, which is currently also on sale at the Brampton picture gallery.

She added: “I have combined the techniques of my influences - Lucien Freud, Tracey Emin and Georgia O’Keefe to create my own style.”

INFORMATION: The Helen Tyler exhibition will be showing at the Slepe Hall Hotel, St Ives on Thursday, May 12 at XXXX (times). St Ives musician Matt Harvey will be providing added entertainment and there will also be an auction and a raffle.

For details visit www.helentyler.co.uk