Helen Seebold: the place I find stillness

Sit a spell with Helen Seebold - our featured artist for this today's Drive-by interview.

What inspires you?

Deep lush woods, leaves rustling, sun streaming through into hidden spaces, wide open fields with breeze blown grasses, tumbling and rolling waves lapping on the sand--bringing in shells then whisking them away, breathtaking cliffs and burning sunsets. Nature - it's the place I go to find stillness and rejuvenation. Nature is my ultimate inspiration.

Any practices that get you into a creative mind frame?

When I work in the studio there has to be music. If I am throwing at the wheel Enya or Loreena McKennitt sets the meditative mood I need. If I am glazing, sculpting or brainstorming, I set my music to shuffle for variety. Songs you might hear? Anything! From Pet Shop Boys to Nightwish to Adele.

What are some quotes we would find hanging in your studio?

For the great doesn’t happen through impulse alone, and is a succession of little things that are brought together. -Vincent van Gogh

Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life. - Pablo Picasso

The artist, when sketching, loves nothing so much as the curve of the body as it turns away . . . and Daphne, becoming a laurel, dares you to become the wind. -Rainer Maria Rilke

In an imaginary world where your artwork could speak, what would it say? Appreciate the beauty that can be found in both nature and the cultural diversity of our world.

Is there something you are currently working on, or excited about starting?

Yes! I am currently throwing 400 tea bowls for a site specific installation I am designing. The installation will explore the ancient Japanese traditions of "The Way of the Tea" and Sumi-e (Japanese Ink Painting). Both of these art forms reflect on capturing the essence or the spirit of a form through concentration and simplicity.

You can check out Helen's work on exhibit now thru Oct 29th in our Still Life exhibition featuring 39 works from across the country.

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