AN intriguing artwork spotted in the window of a Fremantle op shop turned into a state-wide manhunt that this week came to its conclusion in a White Gum Valley artists’ co-op.
Shoe retailer Linda Mead was actually on another mission when she saw a beautiful handmade paper kimono in the St Vincent de Paul op shop window in High Street; despite urging herself not to get distracted, she found herself back the next day with the $50 they were asking in hand.
The work of handmade paper, hand-dyed cloth and rope was sewn together with a machine and she realised it would’ve taken at least a couple of weeks to create; with her partner Tim having a passion for Japanese culture, she thought the artwork should have an appreciative new home.
It was when Ms Mead turned the work around and saw the signature: Helen Clark, Guilford, 18 October 1991” that her detective work began; she spent over five hours Googling, contacting and calling numerous sources from Guilford to Geraldton to Mundaring until finally tracking down the artist living just a suburb away.
• Linda Mead reunites Helen Clark with her beautiful kimono.
Reunited
Ms Mead contacted Ms Clark and organised the meeting that reunited the artist with her 33-year-old artwork this week.
Ms Mead told the Herald she was “honoured” and felt “really privileged” to reunite Ms Clark with her artwork and says getting to know about her long career has given her a new perspective.
“She is someone people in WA should know about,” Ms Mead said.
“Meeting Helen is like meeting someone you’ve known for ages.”
Ms Clark said she only ever made eight kimono artworks, which were inspired by her children Japanese classes at school, and now specialises in Australiana prints.
Ms Clark told the Herald that being reunited with the artwork was “very, very special” and reminded her of why she loved what she does and is thankful to Ms Mead as she now knows her work is loved.
“I love the fact [Ms Mead] has done it. I get embarrassed with public accolades. I’m really thankful. It’s called fate.”
by IMOGEN WALSH