Helen Bayly

Posted by Lauren Smith on June 3, 2012 · Leave a Comment 

2 Op Collective has their eyes on HELEN BAYLY! Here are some examples of her work:

Lust for Life, 4’x12′, ink and mixed media on paper, 2011

Fountain of Decay, 4’x5′, ink on paper, 2012

DMT Mary, 4’x5′, ink on paper, 2012

Oh Shit, for Reals?, 8″x10″, ink on paper, 2012

Q. Tell us about your work?

A. These paintings are based on my interest in the universal human experience, through modernized versions of religious or mythological imagery.

I’ve been very inspired by the concepts of epic drama, the feeling of eternal damnation or pure ecstasy. I would like to think that the early mythological figures humans came up with, were based on exaggerated characteristics, like the hero/saint or villain/demon. And when applied to everyday life, it feels as if our drama unfolds in a similar fashion. Getting cut off while driving, losing a family member, falling in love, all these feel like the best and worst thing that have ever happened to me while it’s happening. Finding ways to express that through art is what I’m attempting to do. I choose science over religion when it comes to answering the mysteries of life, but when it comes to art I think there is a very effective historical visual language in place, so I borrow this language to discuss modern concepts.

I also see a extremely hedonistic culture evolving in America. It’s at once very alluring, but conversely totally destructive and ego driven. As I get older it’s hard not to see this behavior to be increasingly ridiculous, so lately that has been working it’s way into my paintings as well.

 

Q. What advice do you have for your peers?

A.  Work hard, that’s the only real way to get anywhere. Also love what you do then the hard work isn’t a bummer. I think that’s the secret. People are unhappy from lack of engagement or sacrifice for the wrong reasons. If you make what you love then neither of those things will be a problem.

 

 

Q. Where can we learn more about you and your work?

A. I write and post artwork here:

http://thehelentree.blogspot.com/

 

 

Filed under Drawing, Painting · Tagged with artist, DMT mary, drawing, ecstasy, epic drama, flowers, fountain of decay, helen bayly, ink, lust for life, mary, mixed media, mythological, mythology, painting, religion, religious, San Francisco