Susan Hellewell

P.O. Box 384

Solon, Maine

www.SusanHellewell.com

Although not formally trained as a painter, I have enjoyed painting for relaxation and visual pleasure since childhood. In the early 1980s, I became fascinated with Chinese calligraphy and carefully practiced brushstroke techniques. My paintings combine the transparency usually achieved with watercolor and the dance-like quality of Chinese calligraphy.

Earlier abstract pattern paintings were more in the color field tradition and are the result of practicing individual brushstrokes in transparent layers of dilute acrylic paint on canvas. Recent work represents a continued effort to develop more literal images, backgrounds and landscapes. The transparent layers in the Aleppo and Migration series reflect the superimposed media images of unimaginable suffering in the world which we carry in our hearts and minds, juxtaposed to the reality of our (by comparison) seemingly tranquil lives, which carry on moving forward.

I was introduced to central Maine and many of the artists that live here in 1978. I was amazed at the number of talented individuals nestled in the woods inspiring and supporting each other while sharing their art, theater, and community. In 1990 I finally moved here from the Boston area leaving my job in biochemical research to teach high school science and paint. As the demands of teaching high school science for twenty-five years left minimal time for painting, I am now thrilled to be retired and painting full time.

Exhibits 1990-Present in Maine

Canaan Farmers Hall

Canaan, ME October 2018

2017 Open Studio Tour

Wesserunsett Art Council

August 2018

Monson Art Gallery

Monson, ME

July-October 2018

Central Maine Artists Gallery

Skowhegan, ME

May 2018