Alaska has had to endure much over the past couple of years. The forest fires of last years Summer are one example of what we as Alaskans have had to endure. The forest fires not only affected our daily lives, they also killed much of our wildlife. Another issue which arose from global warming is the fact that our glaciers and polar ice caps are melting, driving more species to the brink of extinction. The polar bear painted as wisps of smoke emanating from the conflagration of trees, soon to be dispersed into the wind like a memory forgotten by time. As the man sitting on the boat in the painting watching the world wither away, we too are on the brink of no return where we can do nothing but watch as the world goes. As you look into the eyes of the sea life in the left corner of the painting you can see fear stricken in their eyes as well as a sliver of hope directed to you.
This new collection is dedicated to start of a new chapter. Everyone has their their own beginnings, start of the new year, start of the race, the start of a new chapter in life. You can be young or old , or just beginning Ning your life's journey. It could be metaphor or it could reflect a flickering interest.
Contributed by Yuliya Helgesen-Thompson
My name is Yuliya Helgesen-Thompson. I am an Alaskan artist who has lived and painted in this Great Land for the past quarter century. I have taught art out of my Glamour Art Garage in Anchorage to both young and older students for 20 of those years. I believe in giving my students the opportunity to exhibit their art in a public space, that’s why my students’ paintings have been featured every May in an exhibition at the Great Harvest Bread Company for the past 15 years.
My personal art can be found in many homes around Anchorage and I am very well known in the community for my First Friday openings at galleries such as: Sevigny, Virtue, and Stephen’s, to name just a few. Broad brush strokes exemplify the moods in each of my paintings. Each of my pieces represent a dreamscape that I try to bring to life by using abstract images and illusory colors. Passersby who look at my paintings can readily understand the feelings that lie within each piece. My husband and two sons each picked out a painting from a recent series that I did, asking me never to sell the pieces because each of them cherished their pieces so. I am regularly reminded by them that these pieces are never to be sold.
So, what is my style and from what do I draw inspiration? I try to challenge myself every day to accomplish something in my art that I have never done before. Creating so many semi-representations of silhouettes and shapes and then to research them to my fullest, until inspiration strikes!
Currently, I am trying to reach a larger audience through my Instagram page. I host frequent live events where I make challenges and challenge all viewers to participate.
For more painting stories, or to order a painting, check out my existing posts of my art on Instagram. Simply choose a style, screenshot it and dm me your idea based upon that style.
https://www.instagram.com/art_yuliya_ht/
Or, for free art classes and art tips:
https://www.instgram.com/cutesywutsy/
Facebook users, please enjoy your time with my art page:
https://www.facebook.com/Yuliyas-art-893245320753760/
I cannot wait to hear from you. Yuliya
907-4418644