Off Island

About her artwork, artist Katy Helman says, “My mother allowed me free rein to dress myself. I mixed florals with plaids and paisleys, added stripes. I believe she was afraid my teachers would think her negligent but it was simply an early indicator of my artistic bent. I am still mixing stripes and paisleys, synthesizing genres and styles to create paintings. I am the product of the 1960s attending art school in 1971. Politically/artistically the world felt charged and that charge contagious. Happenings happened and anything could happen. The NY art scene ruled. Since, I have lived mostly on islands, in fishing communities. For 26 years I have been living on Deer Isle, Maine, where I taught for 18 years before retiring. The community is comprised of hard working, self reliant, spirited, sometimes outlaw islanders who have given me the invaluable sense of belonging. It has been a good fit.”