HELEN SIKSEK - FISH POINT STUDIO (mixed media)

Gore Bay, ON

CONTACT ARTIST

Helen Siksek was born an artist and has been nurturing her creative spirit since the age of three. She identifies as an expressive, intuitive abstract painter. She paints unique original compositions through mark-making and experimentation. Preferring to paint outdoors, always close to the land and water. The best way to explore Manitoulin Island, the La Cloche region, Killarney Provincial Park and Lake Superior north shore is with fellow artists who share the same passion for painting in nature. Helen lives in Kagawong and is an avid plein air painter. She is inspired by Northern Ontario's landscape which to her includes vital invisible elements, wind, sunlight and vibrational energy from living beings and trees. She observes and paints with all her senses.

Helen frequently begins a painting outdoors by the lake, and tries to stay true to the on-site observational experience for as long as she can, but when the bugs start to swarm, she and the painting run for cover. The painting is then developed and finalized in the comfort of her studio. Realism always influences the first pass of a painting, but her work rarely develops in a representational or traditional manner.

Paying attention to energy and vibrancy is this artist's idea of fun when she creates abstract compositions. Especially when organic, abstract mark-making is given free-reign. Painting with abandon can be a tremendously gratifying energetic process. 'The final style and 'look' of the paintings always comes as a surprise to me', says Helen. Yet the shapes and colours emulate the real rocks, pebbles, shallow waters and sunlit reflections that inspire the beginning of a painting. Using this unique technique, reality and creativity become co-designers of the final product.

Helen has served several arts organizations on the island including former leadership positions in the MFAA (Vice President, Art Tour Coordinator and NOAA rep), 4elements Living Arts (Workshop instructor and board member), La Cloche Art Show (Volunteer and Juror), and established the Manitoulin Plein Air Festival and the Manitoulin Island Artists Guild. Serving the arts on the island is what makes her happy. She is involved in other art endeavours including Studio 6 in Gore Bay and Artisans By the Bay in Kagawong. She organizes summer art festivals with her friends and tries to fit in one or two road trips a year. Helen spends the winter hibernating.

To read more about Helen's latest collection of paintings, you are invited to follow her journey on her social media accounts:

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