We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Helene Farrar. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Helene below.
Helene, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
In the Spring that Covid arrived, I started this genuine slow down to meditate through the general chaos of the universe and started painting flowers. This body of work has spread a lot of joy !
“Yes, because of the love of flowers and blooms I made these. But more, rather as a need for beauty in this world, in this moment because it seems unfair. Beauty is a call to take care of things we love, like each other and the planet and to call upon nature as our highest healing power. And though beauty might seem as an escapist or even indulgent it can also provide a gentler, safer, and expedited agent to the pressured and exhaustive truths we seek to suppress. These blooms and bounties of color and form are to be enjoyed and food for strength in an increasingly pluralized humanity.”
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My family is comprised of makers and Art lovers. As far back as I can remember I have been engaged in making things, My most favorite memories are working in my Uncle’s converted basement / studio / family art gallery sewing clothing and constructing clay sculptures. Also, my Mother took me to see three different Red Grooms exhibitions in New York City which literally blew my mind. I started dabbling in encaustic (hot beeswax paint) about twenty years ago, back in a shared studio space in Portland, Maine. The smell, and watching my studio mate spread the clear wax across some bisqued spheres intrigued me. I had been painting in oils but it just was never enough. I needed texture and more ways to work deductively.
Recently one of my students asked me why I do what I do. I said that I simply wanted to make beauty. I want my clients to feel joy and relish in an object of art that is seductive and complex.
I hold a BA in Art, and MFA in Interdisciplinary Arts, and I am currently the President of the Professional Artist Organization called New England Wax.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
It’s pretty easy to be focused on taking care of your business, while at the same time wearing yourself out. It was super beneficial to be putting in the time working “on” my business and working “at” my business for about eight years. Over that time, I felt a bit tattered, exhausted, and burnt out. I began to niche down or narrow what my business was doing and started the process what I refer to as self-love. This includes getting outside a whole lot involved with skiing, biking etc, but also drinking a ton of water, going to yoga regularly, and being mindful. What I didn’t realize was that by taking care of me, I was helping my business to thrive. I didn’t have to give myself up.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
When folks use the word “talented” I feel like its a cop out to the time and effort I put into my work. There was no magic wand waved at me. I paint around 300 paintings a year, so what would you become good at if you practiced it that much?
Also, try to let those who aren’t cheering you on fuel you to do better, to prove them wrong. One of my favorite cousins (despite her own self-doubt) really discouraged me to becoming a full-time Artist. My anger put a fire under me to prove her wrong.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.helenefarrar.com
- Instagram: @helenefarrar
- Facebook: Helene Farrar
Image Credits
Photos by Michelle Miller I can send more photos – – somehow it was only letting me upload one at a time