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About the Artist
Helen C Read
Artist Statement & Bio The Most Important Things Recently Published Articles
Artist's Statement and Bio
Originally from Texas, Helen currently lives in the midwest. As a young child, she first
became captivated by
drawing, painting, creating - - all things art! It
was a natural choice to study art in college, where she earned a BA in fine
art from
Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL. After a hiatus of
raising children, continuing to pursue art in starts and stops, she returned
to school for a master's degree in teaching from National Louis University and began
teaching art at the secondary level.
In Helen's words, "For me, visual art is a language. It is a way that I communicate. As an artist, I find that I must continue to explore, experiment, express, and reveal. The real enjoyment comes when I feel I am able to express beauty and enjoyment to the world that easily looses sight of simple pleasures. Visual communication sometimes uses dramatic, bold colors and at other times, understated, lyrical tones. Pattern and line often infer meaning, as well as shadow and light. All these elements are used to create a meaningful whole. I'm still learning and exploring and finding new ways. Always, I try to capture what I know of our world and explain it in a new, perhaps surpising way."
At
the core of Helen's artistic expression is also a foundational belief that being
made in the image of our Creator,
the language of art is one that honors God when intended for that purpose.
She endeavors to do so, believing
it brings pleasure and inspiration to her viewers as well.
It would not be an accurate snapshot me, as a woman or an artist, if I did mention the most important things in my life. Of course family, friends & my work are of high priority - and yet, even these things pale when compared with my relationship with Jesus Christ. What I've found on my personal journey is that He truly is the source of all that is beautiful and good and worthy of our energy. In Him is found all that we need to live and move and have our being. I know that His love is sure and dependable - even when it seems that all else is dissolving. The great news is that he is there for you too; simply a heart's whisper, cry, or prayer away - waiting!
For the whole story, read the New Testament Book of John which gives a great overview.
Or Email me - I'll be glad to tell you more!
Recently Published Articles on Art and Creativity
Staying Creative in Difficult Times
___________________________
Helen lives in Wheaton, IL where her children are in varying stages of flying from the nest.
Besides being a parent, high school teacher, and artist, she is an active
member of her church and several small groups. She is also a writer.
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Helen C.Read - The Studio Upstairs - PO Box 251 - Wheaton, IL 60187 - email: studio_upstairs@hotmail.com