Artist Statement on her life.... 1918-2010
Helene was born on the family ranch in Sonoma Valley, California, September 1918. Her birth wasn’t the indescribable joy it should have been. Childbirth was always difficult for her mother, so having the fifth child was an enormous undertaking especially at the age of forty-four. Apparently, when Helene was born, she was as black as the top of the kitchen stove with no signs of life. Her father wrapped the fragile being in a newspaper and set the dead baby on the woodpile by the warm stove.
While Helene started life wrapped in the monthly newspaper, the midwife and her father proceeded to take care of her mother. Several hours later, her father returned to the kitchen for dead baby, but Helene moved. He joyfully discovered that his daughter was very much alive. 
Helene zealously embraced life with a sense of journey. Her mind was always in motion and her feet followed. The desperate hours after her birth was the only time she was motionless. She lived a life that nurtured her soul even though she didn’t realize it. She had an exploratory spirit much to her mother’s dismay. She was a willful child and a determined adult with a strong sense of self.
Investigating new places inspired her artistic nature even as a child. The wildflowers in the fields brought her great joy. The colorful sunrises or sunsets caught her eye. The different stages of the grape vines begged capturing on canvas or paper. The amazing colors of trees in the spring, summer and fall caused her heart to flutter anxious to recreate their beauty. The ever-changing landscape was a constant sense of wonder.
As much as Helene loved Sonoma Valley, the desert embraced her with open arms. No ghost town went unseen. No back road not driven or a newly discovered painterly subject not tossed in the back of her vehicle to recreate later on canvas or paper. She always had the next painting in her head.
Trips to Europe mesmerized her art appreciation as she dragged her husband and their friends to every museum, art gallery, and church. No leisure lunches on the piazza sipping wine and people watching, too much to see, no time to waste. Her idea of a vacation was different from everyone else.
Art in all forms was in her blood, etched deeply in her thoughts as well as the love of her family and friends. These elements brought her great joy, laugher, and a sense of belonging, accomplished, and peace of mind.
Helene was a treasure, a great hostess with a bigger than life personality and will be missed. Her family and friends are thankful for her inspiration and enthusiasm in a life well lived. She taught those willing to listen to see their surroundings, use their senses, appreciate every minute of every day, love what you do, give to others, help others, never run away from a challenge.
Helene's favorite salute, “Here’s to the mother of our race, who wore her fig leaf in the right and proper place. Here’s to Adam, father of us all, who was johnny on the spot when the leaves began to fall.”

by Carol DiGiulio (scroll down to see more of Helene)




Gallery One Art Show
Helene is painting at Coppola's Winery
Helene is ready to dine with friends.



Emotions Fill the Canvas
by Carol DiGiulio
2001

Helene finds beauty everywhere from landscape to the inner being. An idyllic day for this enthusiastic woman is grabbing her old straw hat, a sandwich, and pastels seeking adventure on bumpy back roads.

Decades of exploring the picturesque countryside from valleys, to oceans, through deserts and mountains never diminished her joy of discovery. Painting produces sheer pleasure for Helene of eighty-two as it continues to replenish her vitality and wisdom.

“Art expresses emotion!” Helene declares. “The reflections rush from my brain passionately guiding my hand, as I respond excitedly to color, form, and shape.”

Writers feel the same lust as they compose words filling a white canvas of 8 ½ X 11 parchment. They give birth to words echoing the pain of childbirth knowing the climax bares the value of their struggle. The creative endeavor empowers and enhances their dream to succeed, to entertain, and to become immortal. Emotions fill the canvas.



All Rights Reserved - Content by Carol DiGiulio