Meet Helen E. Barnett of Wilmington, NC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Helen E. Barnett.

Hi Helen E., so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in a very creative, close-knit family—whether it was painting and drawing, crafts, or music, we always kept our hands busy with something. Both sides of my family have an artistic gene in some way, shape, or form, so it was only a matter of time before I started to hone in on that myself. My two older brothers would draw a lot, and although I don’t remember much of it, I often drew alongside them as a child. Throughout school, I always found that art classes were the ones I looked forward to the most. By middle school, I had already chosen my college and major—High Point University majoring in Studio Art and minoring in Spanish. But it wasn’t until I got to High Point that I really fell in love with oil painting and color theory. Fast forward through various national and international exhibitions, earning both a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Fine Arts degree, I have deepened the love for my practice and am dedicated to growing and sharing my work with others.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all! As many creatives know, this lifestyle is full of a lot of highs and lows. And while it can feel like the lows outnumber the highs, I’ve experienced enough in my career to know that they are all worth it in the end.

In my sophomore year at High Point, my professor gave us a mini assignment to paint still lifes of apples with a palette knife. This was a technique that was new to everyone in the class, so we were all in the same boat. I initially thought, “this shouldn’t be too hard to get the hang of,” but I was wrong. After painting about 15 apples and still not getting the hang of it, my professor kept sending me back to the drawing board. I was struggling. It felt like an impossible task and I was ready to throw the knife away. I started questioning my major and even considered switching my major to graphic design, like one of my older brothers had studied when he was in school. I didn’t make the switch, and I kept going until my professor let me move onto the next project. After the project, I found myself coming back to the palette knife—even though I still wanted to get rid of it once and for all—I realized I actually liked what I was producing when it came to applying the paint. What began as a strong dislike for a technique I couldn’t understand eventually turned into a deep love—and now a staple in all the paintings I create.

After graduating from High Point, I had gotten a job as an Art Department Production Assistant for a TV show that was being filmed here in Wilmington. I really wanted to work within film at the time, so I was excited for the opportunity. After 2 months, that excitement vanished. With long workdays, I couldn’t spend much time with my parents, even while I was living at home at the time, and most of all, I wasn’t painting. All of my time and energy went into the work, and I had nothing left to give to my passion. It felt like I lost myself. I was angry and tired all the time and couldn’t figure out why—besides the difficult work environment and harsh hours. I had heard that the film industry was a beast, but I didn’t think to that extent. After about 4 months, I quickly left that job to work in a gallery. The unforgettable relief of being back in a space I loved, surrounded by art and creativity, took over in an instant. I was able to have time to paint and do something for me.

Those lows led me to fall deeper in love with my passion. I don’t have any regrets, nor would I change one thing. They are vital to my story and are what fuels my motivation to keep doing more today.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work highlights Black identity through expressive strokes and storytelling, grounded in the research within my family tree. In my research, I faced a large void that genealogists refer to as the “1870 Brick Wall”–a phenomenon that marks the first census post-emancipation. My recreated portraits of my ancestors express the value of cherishing passed down oral histories and the legacies they carry.

In my practice, I emphasize not only the intentionality behind the technique but also the application of paint. My paintings are known for having visible layers of paint, both applied and scratched away from the surface. I also incorporate areas of ultramarine blue, as I strive to surround my figures in a pigment that was historically believed to be more precious than gold.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
You can follow my artistic journey on my Instagram and/or Facebook: @helen.b.art

Also, sharing any opportunities for exposure is always greatly appreciated. Whether it be shows, conferences, speaking or curating opportunities, etc., I would love to get my art out but also have the chance to engage with others in the community.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helen.b.art/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/helenbart-100064200486146/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenbarnett1110
• Other: https://dot.cards/helen_b_art