Helene Steene

My art aims to provoke introspection, transcending intellectual limitations and tapping into universal mysteries.

Whether my work is non-objective, abstract or figurative, there is always a search for something that signifies a subtle inner beauty, depth and simplicity even when the forms are complex. I am intrigued by the tension between forms, lines and colors that ultimately can resolve in harmony. Sometimes, this is achieved with more obvious forms, and sometimes, with a delicate balance using colors and textures to give substance to the spaces that exist because there are no objects.

If my work can slow someone down to contemplate something within her or himself – if the work can add a moment of focus on their inner peace in this absurd world – then I have reached the viewer. We, the viewer and the mark maker, would be connected through that ephemeral magic that is all around, as I am convinced that one’s range of intellect is so trivial in the face of greater mysteries.

Helene Steene was born in Sweden and moved to the United States in 1976.

RADIANCE

Helene Steene’s work is well recognized for its many layered depth, intensity of colors, and elegance of surface.

She combines classical oil glaze techniques, using natural dry mineral pigments, over marble dust, with contemporary brushed metal on wood and/or paper.

Greek Landscapes

Many of her works are inspired by the soft white walls, and weathered wood works she encounters on the Greek island of Paros, as well as the local fauna and the ever-changing sea. The sense of layered history from antiquity to more recent times is very present on this island, famous for its white translucent marble.

In 2021 her first book, AEGEAN ECHOES was published — a visual visit to Paros in photos of the island and through the paintings inspired by this special place.

Ginkgo leaves

Many other of her paintings include Ginkgo leaves as they represent nature from ancient to present times as well as the concept of healing.

She also has been working on a series of circular forms, representing a sense of centeredness which always has been important to her.

“Call Steene’s paintings the fusion of geometry and grace, which probes and pierces, or let us say we gaze out from the eye of light itself.”

Peter Abbs

Emeritus Professor of Creative Writing,
University of Sussex,
Great Britain

“Steene’s luminous layers of colors and intuitively balanced structure are reminiscent of Rothko’s luminous paintings. Her visual subtleties slow down the viewing process and contribute to an overall sense of harmony and inner peace, one that serves as an antidote to today’s fast-paced, chaotic world.”

Jane S Peters

Professor Emerita, Art History & Visual Studies,
University of Kentucky,
USA

Helene Steene Brings Walk in Beauty to Gatton Park

Lexington artist Helene Steene’s new mixed-media painting, Walk in Beauty, celebrates the fluttering ginkgo leaves and the flowing Town Branch Creek at Gatton Park. Combining gold, silver, and vibrant autumnal tones across seven wood panels, the piece invites viewers to pause, reflect, and experience nature’s harmony in the heart of the city.

Read the UNDERMAIN article by Kevin Nance here.

Arts Connect

Helene Steene – Visual Arts Award

Known for layered depth, striking color, and elegant finishes, Helene Steene blends classical oil glaze techniques with mineral pigments and marble dust, accented by brushed metal on wood or paper.

Her work has been published, commissioned, exhibited, and collected, privately and publicly in the United States, France, Greece, Spain, Great Britain and Sweden, and she has won numerous awards for her work.

Read Becky Alley’s introduction of Helene Steene at the ArtsConnect Award Luncheon here.