Our stories, myths and tales teach us what is expected of us.  I am fascinated by how our myths and stories teach us who we are supposed to be, and how we are supposed to act and interact.  I seek to understand the old myths and find the new ones as we create new social patterns to live by.

In my work, ‘Facing Medusa’ has become a metaphor for me of the acceptance and integration of those things in myself I have been taught to devalue or fear.  In Greek mythology we are told that Medusa was a woman so powerful her glance could turn men to stone.  Her head was cut off and used as a weapon.  It was not her power, but who controlled it that was at issue.  To me facing Medusa means re-examining the definitions of our euro- and andro-centric culture.  It means facing those things in myself (fear and anger) that have paralyzed me so I can move through them to action on behalf of myself and others.

In my art and my life I am attempting to re-member my Medusas.  In so doing, I am taking back the power of self definition, of action.  In the act of facing, I am re-claiming, re-visioning, and re-membering myself as a whole person.

You can see Helen’s full portfolio, including works that are available for purchase, here.