Artists' Directory
Bonita Helmer
My work has always been two-fold, based in both research and discovery. I am primarily concerned with content and communication, and I am impassioned to express this information in a timely, innovative and provocative way through the use of paint enhanced with mixed media. As a child, I studied dance and acquired an intense awareness of movement through time and space. The “unseen structure” was a compelling interest of mine, early in life, and I continue to be fascinated with that which cannot be obviously seen. Studies in Buddhism, Kabbalah, Symbol, and Physics have contributed to my continuing interest in inner and outer realms of existence. Recent information from “space” and quantum physics has added another dimension to my work. During my studies at Otis Art Institute, I simultaneously mentored with Francoise Gilot. The current trend was to pursue alternatives to painting and I rebelliously searched for someone who could give me techniques to become a knowledgeable painter. Studies also included a serious use of symbol. Ms. Gilot's influences are Leger, Picasso and Matisse all of with whom she studied. I am an artist of “my own time”, but I feel fortunate that I am part of this legacy and I pass it on to my students at Otis College of Art and Design. In my work, I feel compelled to examine “timeless” recurring themes. The subject matter is infused in abstraction through use of various media to create the illusion of a continuous shift from surface to deep space. I love to work with systems of opposition, dichotomies in poetic visual text. My paintings are dark and light, transparent and solid, smooth and textured. . The first layers of paint and texture are poured and encouraged to run together to create an atmosphere. In each additional application, of the layering of paint, the image becomes more refined with the use of brush technique and color theory. Ultimately, I wish to "intertwine" images from the psychological, mystical, and from the standpoint of physics. Intrinsically, all people are similar. I believe that from hidden and unseen structures of existence, universal questions can be asked and the answers will emerge. Bonita Helmer 2009
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