Helen Utsal

Helen Utsal was born in Montreal, Quebec in 1969, grew up in Oakville, Ontario and now works out of her studio in Comox, British Columbia.

Helen studied fine arts at Concordia, working as a studio assistant to artist Tom Hopkins, where she built the foundation for her large format, mixed media works. An IATSE member in Toronto, Helen worked on dozens of feature films, as a scenic artist and painter. She also worked on independent films, television, music videos and commercials.

Helens oil paintings are loose and expressive; exploding in vibrant colour and deep contrast. She works in multiple media including gold and metallic leaf, wax and found objects. Her paintings have a saturated depth; scumbling complimentary background colours and rich foregrounds. Her paintings are vibrant with life, like the places they depict.

Currently, Helen’s work is being shown in multiple galleries in B.C. She continues to capture the essence of the dramatic landscape that surrounds her.

CV

1984-1988    Oakville Trafalgar High School Diploma
1989-1992    Concordia University, Fine Arts

Shows

Solo Exhibitions:

2010    ‘Forest Coast’, multi media paintings, Muir Gallery, Courtenay, B.C.
               March 5 - 27, 2010. Opening March 5, 7pm.
2008    Banisters Lounge, The Supreme Court Houses, Vancouver, B.C.
               Martines Bistro, Comox, B.C.
2006    ‘West Coast Trees’ Millenium Place, Whistler, B.C.

Group Exhibitions:

2010    ‘Trash Art Challenge’, recycled material masks, Muir Gallery, Courtenay, B.C.
               Feb 5 - 27, 2010.
2010    ‘World of Imagination-V3’, sq. ft. show, APW Gallery, Queens, N.Y., USA
                March 10, 2010. Opening March 11, 7pm.
2009    Comox Valley Airport, Comox, B.C.
2008    Originals Only Art Show, Comox, B.C.
               Musicfest, Courtenay, B.C.
               Comox Valley Studio Tour, Courtenay, B.C.
               ‘Drawing from the Human Form’ Tarbells Café, Cumberland, B.C.
2007    Originals Only Art Show, Comox, B.C.
               ‘Local Colours’, Muir Gallery, Courtenay, B.C.
2006    Winterfest Art Exhibition and Auction, Big Sky Golf Club, Pemberton, B.C.
               ‘Art Walk’, Amos and Andys, Whistler, B.C.
               Artrageous, Garabaldi Lift Company, Whistler, B.C.

Ongoing Exhibitions:

2008    Cedar Corners Art Gallery, Tofino, B.C. (To Present)
2007    Qualicum Frameworks Gallery, Qualicum Beach. B.C. (To Present)
2006    Art Junction Gallery in Whistler, B.C. (To Present)

Member:

Comox Valley Art Council
The Women’s Business Network
The Cumberland Lifers drawing group
The Whistler Arts Council
Co-founder of the Pemberton Art Council