Helen Michaels

Artist’s Statement

My first trip to Paris zapped me like Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother. My feminine spirit blossomed in France’s love of embellished living. Everything and every ordinary moment seemed filled with a quality of radiance and beauty I had never known. I brought this new state of being home and it began to embellish my life in surprising ways.

The Old French word, “embellish”, means “to make more beautiful”. I never expected to encounter its essential essence in a period of grief and loss that befell me the following year. Balm to my pain unveiled itself in unlikely art materials: ribbon, lace, luscious fabrics, and sparkling crystals. I was introduced to sewing years before by my mother, not in my training as a fine artist or art therapist. Yet, I embraced the alchemy this artistic venue offered and a new passion was released like a racehorse out of the starting gate.

I made my way to France again by way of a Paris Fashion Tour. It seems the Higher Forces of the Universe found a hilarious way of healing my internal devaluing all things feminine. I came away with not only an armful of exquisite French ribbon and trims, but an embellished understanding of how essential the Sacred Feminine is for a rich life. My response is creating petite and delicious “pieces of Paris” that embellish a woman’s femininity in everyday activities like a bouquet of fresh flowers.

Price Range $40 - $48

© 2010 Benevolent Acorn
info@BenevolentAcorn.com
Saint Paul, Minnesota

All artwork featured on this page by Helen Michaels © 2008