A Long Way Coming
Acrylic on Canvas
60h x 48w
Helen Steele’s compositions are spontaneous, yet certain themes recur throughout her work, particularly the use of the human figure to explore psychological states such as harmony, serenity, anxiety, and isolation. While the figure serves as her starting point, it is not the true subject of her art. Rather, she delves into human presence and absence.
Her approach is intuitive, favoring suggestion over detail. As she works and reworks the canvas, images emerge only to elude her, reappearing later in a different form. Steele’s process involves multiple layers, where images and words are buried, paint is wiped off, and layers are peeled back, revealing the evolving composition beneath.
Education
1987 Master’s Degree in Art Education, Art History and Psychology, Ludwig Maximillian’s
University, Munich, Germany
1986 - 1988 Master Studies with Hans Daucher, Capri, Italy
1999 - 2002 Studies with Inez Storer and Linda Goodman
Solo Exhibitions
Room Art Gallery, Mill Valley, CA (June 2015)
Room Art Gallery, Mill Valley, CA (May 2014)
Room Art Gallery, Mill Valley, CA (May 2013)
Room Art Gallery, Mill Valley, CA (May 2012)
Francesca Gallery, Sausalito, CA (2010)
Mona Lease Gallery, Greenbrae, CA (2010)
Magnolia Gallery, Larkspur, CA (2008/2009)
Kabuki, San Francisco, CA (Sept./Oct/Nov./Dec.)
Peter Fleschhut, Munich, Germany (June 2008)
Marin Open Studios, San Anselmo, CA (May 2008)
Marin Open Studios, San Anselmo (May 2007)
Group Exhibitions
Goethe Institute, San Francisco, CA 2014
American Art Gallery, Carmel, CA 2012
Hang Art Gallery, San Francisco, CA 2011
Room Gallery, San Rafael, CA 2011
International Show, Sonthofen, Germany 2011
LBD Fine Art, Chicago, IL
Room Gallery, San Rafael, CA 2010
Down Town Art Center, San Rafael, CA 2009
2009 National Juried Show, Ross, CA
Marin Arts Council Show, Civic Center, San Rafael, CA (2008)
Artisans Gallery, San Rafael, CA (2007/2008)
“Hot Wax”, Woodacre, CA (2007)
National Encaustic Show, O’Hanlon Center for the Arts, Mill Valley, CA (2007)
“Wax and Oil” International Encaustic Show, Contemporary Museum of Marin, Novato, CA (2006)
Awards and Scholarships
2012 Wendy Gruber Grant
2009 National Show “Honorable Mention” 2009 (Pick Me) Winner of Cover Contest for Marin Magazine
2008 (Life in Motion) “Best of Show” and Juror”s Pick
2008 (Abstract Show) Best of Show San Rafael
2008 1st place in Annual Show
2008 (War and Piece) Best of Show
2008 3rd place in Abstract Show
2007 Artisans Best of Show (
1997 Pac Bell Scholarship for the Arts (1997 – 1998)
Affiliations
2007-2009 Artisans Art Gallery, Member/Education Committee
2007-2008 Marin Arts Council, Member
2006-2007 Encaustic Organization Board Member /Education Committee
