My style

Helen Steele, artist describes her style to DEIRDRE McQUILLAN

Describe what you're wearingThe zipped hoodie [draped over bag] is by Elvis Jesus, from Harvey Nichols men's department. The snake-print dress is by Joanne Hynes, the silk shorts are by Sonia Rykiel, and I bought the Jil Sander shoes in Hong Kong. The watch is a vintage Rolex – a present for my 10th wedding anniversary. The canvas cuff, I made myself. The beaded bangles were picked up in Abu Dhabi. The Givenchy bag was a gift from my husband.

You obviously travel a lotIt's mostly for work. From early 2000 until 2006, work took me mostly to the US, then in 2007 to the Middle East and Oman.

So what do you wear on these long trips?A pair of stretch jeans and a comfortable T-shirt. I roll up some T-shirts and underwear and put them in a carrier bag, because a lot of the time I go straight to a meeting. I always go cold-calling to galleries when I travel.

Your clothes are as colourful as your paintingsWhat you see is what you get. My work is heavily based on colour theory, and the joie de vivre and exuberance of colour can affect both painting and style. Colour has such power. I dress for myself and for comfort, and in what cheers me up.

Did you always want to be an artist?Always. I needed a job, so I went to fashion college, but all along I wanted to paint. I went back to painting because it was non-conformist, and you could be yourself.

So what do you wear when painting?A Chicago County Jail orange jumpsuit I got in Hancock Tower in Boston. I use chainsaws, forklifts, leaf blowers, spray guns, pellet guns, cherry pickers. . .

Where do you shop?Everywhere. I love flea markets, and especially the bazaars in the Middle East. I buy in Harvey Nichols, Brown Thomas, online at net-a-porter.com, and I love Costume. JC de Castelbajac on Bruton Street in London is another favourite.

What do you look for?Having had three children, I always look for a certain kind of tailoring. Things like nipped-in waists, I can't do!

Who are your favourite designers?Joanne Hynes, but when I was younger I used to steal my mother and my aunt's John Rocha and Michael Mortell clothes, and that gave me a desire to study fashion. As an artist I can mix the two, and for my video performance I have made some dresses for a canvas theatre.

What is the most you've ever spent?It was £900, on a Matthew Williamson beaded, bronze sequined jacket. I still have it. I don't throw anything away. I am a bit of a magpie – the pieces I pick are very eclectic.

What about hair and make-up?I'm very fussy about my hair, and have been going to the same people since I was 20 – Shay Dempsey (for cut) and Andrew Doyle in Zoo (for colour) every six weeks. I don't wear much make-up, but Leonard in Queen has given me great tips.

Who is your biggest style icon?Grayson Perry, the artist. He's amazing. His alter egos are fantastic.

How do you describe your style?Cosmic!

Helen Steele created the sets and images for Harvey Nichols’ forthcoming spring fashion show next Thursday. Her next exhibition will be in Beijing in March