A lifelong lover and creator of art, Helen Gwinn’s work encompasses the beauty that surrounds her.
Working in mixed media, collage, acrylic paints, and clay, Gwinn uses elements in her environment for inspiration.
Gwinn shared that she was one of the first artists in the Gallery and that Carlsbad has greatly supported her. Her work has been exhibited in galleries in New York City, Florence, Italy, Colorado, Kansas, Arizona, and New Mexico. She has taught art at Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu, NM and the La Romita School of Art in the Umbrian region of central Italy. Her passion for creativity is reflected in every piece.
Being the second generation to live in their Carlsbad home, Gwinn wanted a space to create; therefore, the existing carport was transformed into her studio. She kept regular studio hours for years but felt that 9-5 was never enough. Gwinn was glad to be home where she could raise her children and be interrupted if needed, and it worked out well for her. She still keeps studio hours, but they’re a little less structured.
“Creating art is an opportunity to create something I may not have the words for. It is a way to connect with God, nature, the universe, and people,” Gwinn expressed. “One reason I work in a series is because it is rare for me to fully express what I feel with one piece. Some series will be a few, others hundreds,” she added.
“My favorite pieces are what I’m working on,” she shared. “Each piece is made for someone else, not for self-ownership.” Recurring elements can be seen in her work, each of which have special meaning. Some of them are birds, which represent freedom; eggs, opportunity; nests, places to grow; and envelopes as packets of treasures.
While working on her Master’s degree, Gwinn was discouraged from following her passion for art by a professor. She decided to go for it and has been enamored since. Gwinn feels it is important for people to follow their passions and dreams. It is also important to have your needs, like paying the bills, met. “Don’t neglect dreams and passions. When given the right tools, one can excel to keep the dream alive,” she shared.
Inspired by the written words exchanged between her and her daughter in letters since 1986, Gwinn’s ongoing Envelope series is well above 200 pieces. She uses the Pottery Studio to bisque fire her clay pieces. Once home with them, she will use her Hibachi to smoke the clay pieces, which adds color to them. Then, the writing and embellishing can begin. These pieces and more can be found at the Weems Gallery in Albuquerque, NM and The Artist Gallery in downtown Carlsbad, NM. Take a moment to visit the gallery when you’re downtown, and search for a piece of local treasure to take home with you.
