Embarking on Eudaimonia; with Helen C. Stark who has just launched The Time Foragers' Club

Intimate discussions on the big things in life; an interview series by Ta Hiron.

Helen C Stark gifts us a weekly peek into her visual journal entries at The Time Foragers’ Club. Her pages, filled with colourful images, highlight the beauty of every day. A French-Irish illustrator, artist, and teacher based in South Yorkshire, UK. Helen shares her passion for changing seasons and everyday treasures. As a mother of three boys, she cherishes the little things and, in doing so, inspires others to notice the beauty around them, too.

Helen's visual journals feature extraordinary entries of words and art that cover her trips to Paris, strawberry picking, and BBQs with friends. She shares her creative project ideas, drawing and painting tools and mediums, inspiration, and videos of her journal flick-throughs and the drawing process. 

If you follow Helen, you may find yourself sketching in your journal alongside the words, as I did. Welcome, Helen.

If you could distil your life philosophy, what would it be, and why is it meaningful to you? 

Keep showing up! I’m a recovering perfectionist and need to remember to relax a bit more! 

Can you share a transformative experience that challenged your perceptions or beliefs about who you are and what you are capable of? 

I became a Christian at 13 and since then have had a deep conviction that I’m not alone and I was created. As a result how well I perform in my art is never going to be as important as my identity in Christ. 

Can you share a pivotal moment or experience in your life that sparked your passion for art journals and made you realise it was something you needed to pursue? 

Yes, I suffered from post natal depression just after I had my first born. And I went along to a community art group which really helped to be creative again. It was during this time that I realised how good for my mental health keeping a journal was. I found adding drawing and lettering helped me focus on the good things in life even more. I then started sharing this creative journey on Instagram and gradually became an illustrator. 

Can you describe a time when you felt a deep sense of alignment between your inner self and external actions or circumstances? What did it feel like, and what contributed to this alignment? 

I tend to feel very grounded when I’m foraging. It feels amazing to gather what’s been provided and to look forward to this year after year. We now have so many traditions and rituals tied with the seasons. Knowing time passes can sometimes help to be brave and courageous when you’re having a hard day. 

Can you share a time when you felt lost or uncertain about your life's path, and how you moved forward from there? Do you have any further reflections on that at this point in your life? 

I’ve often felt uncertain about life’s path as I’m naturally quite anxious. Taking one step at a time has always been helpful when facing uncertainty in my life. Doing the next right thing is sometimes all we can do. 

What role do you believe self-discovery plays in leading a fulfilling life, and if you do, how do you actively engage in that process? 

I believe we all have a story to tell. Taking time to accept and celebrate our stories is a massive step towards a fulfilling life. I also believe we are all creative, in some shape or form. I try to actively engage in creating something every day. That can be journaling what I’m thankful for, painting a scene, baking a cake for my family, picking flowers from our garden for a friend. I’m 43 now and more accepting of who I am and my limitations. 

Looking back on your life experiences, what are the two most important lessons or advice you've learned in navigating life's complexities?

Lesson one: be kind.

Lesson two: be patient and keep showing up, when making art commitment to quantity is more important than commitment to quality. Quality will come. 

In your bio, you mention being passionate about noticing things we take for granted–that is a lovely outlook. Can you share a few of these noticings? 

Journaling in a visual way helps to notice details. Today I noticed wildlife, berries to pick, the shape of the clouds, freckles on my kids face. All little details to notice and be thankful for. 

We can find your artwork and more on your website https://www.helencstark.com and on Instagram. Is there anything to further share with us about your Substack, other socials or any future projects? 

I’ve recently launched The Time Foragers’ Club on Substack with a lighthearted monthly gazette and zoom calls, taking inspiration from the Saturday evenings in the attic space in Little Women - A time to meet, celebrate the seasons and playfully create together. Anyone can join.

Helen, thank you for allowing us a glimpse into how you navigate daily life. The warmth you express through your drawings beautifully reflects your journey. Like you, I find peace in accepting both my limitations and my gifts, and I’m grateful for your gentle reminder to do so. “Keep showing up” is such a powerful philosophy, embracing the entirety of life’s path and encouraging us to keep moving forward. You share your story with humility and grace, shaped by your faith, and I want to thank you for opening up about your experience with postnatal depression. Your vulnerability helps others feel less alone in their own struggles.

It’s inspiring to think we all have a story to tell, and I’m so thankful that you’ve shared a part of yours with us. It’s truly been a privilege. We’re excited to follow your journey through The Time Foragers’ Club and can’t wait to see what’s next!

All photos have been supplied by Helen.

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P.S. Embarking on Eudaimonia signifies a journey towards living a life of fulfilment, purpose, and flourishing.

"Eudaimonia" is a Greek term often translated as "happiness" or "flourishing." In philosophy, particularly in Aristotle's ethics, eudaimonia refers to the state of living well, achieving one's full potential, and experiencing a sense of fulfilment and thriving in life.

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I believe we all have a story to tell. Taking time to accept and celebrate our stories is a massive step towards a fulfilling life.

Helen C Stark