Vivian Helena - Artist, Quilter

   Vivian Helena is an award winning mixed media and fiber artist who lives in the rolling hills near Yosemite National Park in California.

   Her inner artist has been active since childhood…..

She credits her mother and aunt with her love of hand work. “They were always knitting, crocheting, embroidery, painting, enameling or creating in some fashion”..  

   In her early years she traveled to many countries, living in Australia while her dad was stationed there with the Royal Dutch Air force, later on, living in Hollywood USA, Bagdad, and France. Both parents were born in Holland, and she has a deep love for beauty of the Dutch country side and the atmosphere of the small towns.

   She started her creative journey in the 70’s. She exhibited in Orange County’s Jewel Court, Costa Mesa Art League and Laguna Beach. Winning awards with her watercolors.  Associated Photographers International  presented a first for her photography.

Many of her pieces are in corporate and private collections.

   In the 80’s she was inspired by a friend to take up quilting, and has been working with fibers ever since. She finds surface design techniques a unique way to alter her hand dyed fabrics. She employs stenciling, brush, stamping, burning, rubbings, screen printing, and cyanoprint.

   Vivian is working on a series of mixed media fiber wall hangings in the shape of kites. “ Kites are so playful and expressive, we all would love to fly free and enjoy the beauty of the sky’s..”  

   The love of nature brought Vivian and Ralph to live at their present location, on 8 acres beside the Fresno River .  She feels blessed to be able to walk with nature on a daily basis. “Every day is special, the animals that wander by, a new plant that explodes with the changing of the seasons. The color and fragrance of nature  surrounds us daily, it stimulates the imagination.” Her collection of llamas and cats keep her busy. Flowers bloom most of the year and her dog is the official greeter.

   Vivian is also inspired by architecture, windows, doors and simple walls. She studied Interior Design and Arch. Drafting, later working with a company on space planning for more than 10 years. This influence can be seen in her geometric designs.

   Teaching is a sharing, Vivian and her friend Kathy Millhollon are designing quilting patterns, incorporating English paper piecing and applique. She teaches fabric Dyeing, Surface design and introduction to gourd art at her home studio. Her talents can also be seen in her jewelry, employing gourds, found objects and metal pieces.

   The driving force is the pleasure of creating and having people enjoy her art.