Helena Hoyte Bierly
The Sunken Palace Series
The Sunken Palace series was inspired by a trip to Istanbul and discovery
of the underground reservoir the Byzantine Basilica Cistern, built in the 6th century AD by emperor Justinian. The 336 marble columns and the mysterious colossal Medusa heads stood as sentries to this watery, moody world of reflections and atmospheric lighting, creating a magical moment. I have always been fascinated by ancient civilizations for as long as I can remember and adore history, art and architecture. As a young girl I wanted to be an archeologist and discover new treasures. Water and its life affirming attributes, colors and depth in its never ending forms are recurring themes in many of my paintings.
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I am inspired by the many summers and winters spent outdoors in the lush landscape of the Pacific Northwest with my adventurous, inquisitive, well-traveled and well read parents. I inherited an artistic legacy from my British father who was an architect, landscape architect and ceramic artist. My work is in many private collections and was nominated for the most successful show in 2024 at Sotheby's , Bainbridge Island, WA. It is inspired from my travels and observations of the natural world, architecture and design, exploring my inner landscapes, reflections and experiences uncovering new treasures.
I dove into painting full time in 2020 primarily on wood panel, after working as a printmaking in the early 2000s. I love creating unique textures and colors, often starting with sketches and photos. The experience of pulling a print off the press can be exhilarating as the image is reversed from the original image on a plexiglas plate using transparent and opaque inks. The process of painting often involves many layers that evolve over time.
"In one drop of water are found all the secrets of all the oceans." Kahlil Gibran
Please contact me @ 206-849-3496 / helenabierly.com / for purchases Venmo
Helena Bierly@ Helena-Bierly-1 & Square