Today we’d like to introduce you to Helen Buck.
Hi Helen, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I consider myself to be fortunate to be surrounded by a community of art, culture, family, and friends. This has been true most of my adult life with some exceptions.
My first studio is a great example of the fortune or riches that have crossed my path. It was a large studio, lots of light, easy access to some great artists in the area, and the start of my journey toward what I term “portals.”
The mixed media piece “Tunnel Vision” is an example of the beginning of my travels and “Suddenly Silenced,” an acrylic on canvas, represents a recent portal work.
This doorway or portal theme runs like a thread through my art career; a thread I did not really recognize until this year after a health scare that had me rethinking everything. That is when the alarm bells went off and I started to prepare for the next thing. The end. But thankfully I did not panic because I received excellent medical care and the future looks good.
But here is what went through my mind and how it connects like that thread through the years of my work.
It is important to acknowledge that every phase of life is a gateway to the next episode of being, and so it was for me. From early pieces of dark childhood trauma, through marital bliss/blasphemy, then on to reflection and simply being. Through all the drama, comedy, ups and downs, the one constant was the portal; the way through; hope; fears; love, and discovery.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
All living things face struggles and all humans face some or a lot of strife; it is an individual experience. My struggles may seem mundane to some and insurmountable to others.
My childhood was filled with struggles and then I chose to marry someone who continued the debilitating mind games and tyrannical oppression. One door closed (childhood) when the marital window opened. But it was the same room.
The dream studio I spoke of earlier was abandoned due to aggressive and concocted pressure. It was another ten years of taking orders and going along with someone else’s plan before I woke to the realization that he nor I would ever be happy.
12 years and ten moves later, I have a new dream studio and a new life.
With art, family, friends, and therapy, I grew over a period of a long time until I was strong enough to break the threshold of negativity and darkness. I took a leap and stepped through the doorways that led to where I am today. I can’t wait to see what lies ahead!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Somewhere, a long time ago in a land far away, I read this Ursula Leguin quote, “The creative adult is the child who survived.”
I know this to be true because surviving means withstanding those things that happen to me and accepting them as part of my person.
Many of my art pieces can be seen as dark and disturbing. Some of my work is whimsical. The whimsical are typically created immediately following a darker period. For example, after creating “The Children” series (see one example attached), I set about painting oversized oil canvases of carousel horses. It’s like my creative process mirrors the Comedy and Tragedy masks. Though comedy or happy images are set next to tragic or sad images in the studio, these emotions all dwell at the same time in my experiences.
I sometimes use symbolism as in “Suddenly Silenced” and the clay piece “Goddess Birth” referencing a female phoenix rising from its own ashes in my art. And often use the human figure as my subjects; note that symbolism can be found in my political statements as in “Active Liberty or Passive Slavery.”
By now, it must be clear that my concern is with making art is a pleasure I enjoy and suffer.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
There is a huge list of supporters, mentors, cheerleaders, clients, etc. and it is long. Every day, I find inspiration and guidance from those around me but I must say that the most impactful gifts in my art career come from my fellow artists: Leslie Kell, Greta Olivas, Jane Fier, Tom Towhey, and so many others! Too many to mention here. But I am forever grateful for all of them.
My family plays such a huge role in my success that it would be impossible to describe their complete and enduring support.
All of these people and more give me their time, attention, advice, and even lend a hand or an ear when I need it.
My undying gratitude for those close to me who offer inspiration, patience, kindness, and a whole lot of love!
Contact Info:
- Email: momartstudio5@gmail.com
- Website: momartstudio.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/helenbuckstudio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helenmomart
