Shyama Sonya Helin,
Painter

I am a mixed media painter living and working in Portland, Oregon.

As a child I was given the opportunity to draw and paint as much as

possible and because I showed an early interest in art, I received private lessons throughout my schooling. After receiving a Bachelor's degree in Fine Art from the University of California, Santa Cruz, I began a career as a Producer in the Marketing and Advertising industry. Managing graphic designers and commercial artists gave me a deep understanding of how the combination of words, symbols, and images can create visual representation of ideas and messages. This influence is apparent in my work to date, and I often draw inspiration from contemporary photographers, designers, and illustrators.

Sentimental reflection is a key element in my artwork. I mix characters with abstract and expressive elements to give a sense of mystery and ambiguity - hoping to enhance the viewer's intrigue. While my own idea of a story is woven into each piece, I strive to create work that is abstract enough to leave room for each viewer’s own interpretation.

My work has been hung in a variety of group shows as well as small solo exhibitions.