THE fourth of July is not only American Independence Day, it’s also the 10th anniversary of Helen Elliott becoming an independent artist.

On 4 July 2007, Helen, from Newcastle Emlyn, took redundancy from her job as a probation officer. Using a legacy from her father, the local artist built a studio and workshop at the back of the family home.

“It was incredibly liberating to become independent and work on my art full-time,” said Helen.

“I could devote much more time to producing paintings, grow my business and find new places to exhibit my paintings. My art changed from a hobby to a full-time career. As soon as I committed myself full time to painting, a whole series of remarkable opportunities began to open up for me.”

Since then Helen’s business has grown steadily.

Her studio and workshop are open five days a week. When the business was in its infancy, Helen employed family and friends – particularly husband David and daughter Chloe – to help out when needed.

Helen now employs a number of other local people who provide help with film, photography, PR and other support services.

“Working at my art business full-time was an almost overnight transformation,” said Helen.

“I can honestly say I haven’t looked back for a day because I am finally doing what I was meant to do.”

Visitors to west Wales don’t have to go very far before they encounter Helen’s work.

Her paintings, cards, calendars and books are on display in shops and cafes everywhere you look. Her studio workshop announces itself with a large colourful sign in her home town of Newcastle Emlyn.

Helen’s work is not only popular in west Wales. She is well-known internationally, having exhibited annually in Europe since 2008 with a group of ‘Naive’ artists.

Read the full feature in this week’s south editions, available in shops and online now