Helen Wilson

My love of all things Botanical began at a young age, as I grew up in
Southern California playing daily in my Grandmother’s lush garden. My art
career began as a middle school student doodling on everything. At the
age of 16 I was introduced to the wonder of a Rapidograph technical pen. I
spent hours drawing and found art to be a means of communication and
joy. Entering into the world of adulthood I set my artistic interests aside
Jump ahead several decades and in the 90’s, my family and I moved to the
edge of the national park. Surrounded by the beauty of the woods, my
childhood fascinations with the natural world and art were rekindled and I
found myself needing to give voice to the botanical world around me.
I found myself entering the art-making world in my 50’s by a non-traditional
path. I began taking classes at local art studios where I tried several
different mediums. After several years, I discovered my voice in mixed
media collage. I devised my own process of 3-D paper collage using
unique cutting, folding and printing techniques. I love to experiment with
new papers and different paints and mediums.I incorporate a variety of
techniques including gilding, sgraffito, marbling,and monoprinting.
During the pandemic I began to use my intricate process to create free
standing 3D paper assemblages. I often use cardboard from a recycle bin
along with items bought from junk stores.