Hiking and paddling, I cherish the quiet sounds and stillness. With my camera and my painter's mind, I mark moments—light shining bright and chartreuse on stirring leaves, dramatic light on the water, tangles of roots weaving the land together under my feet.

As an artist, it is my privilege to witness and reflect the exceptional Canadian landscape that conveys both an ancient power and newborn vitality.

I grew up in a creative, nature-loving family and have been fortunate to have had excellent artistic mentors and teachers along the way. My grandmother, Salme Utsal, was a professional artist in Montreal, instilling in me the confidence that a career as a full-time artist was possible.

After studying Fine Art at Concordia University in Montreal, I worked as a studio assistant to renowned artists and photographers, including Tom Hopkins, Graeme Metson, Donigan Cumming, and Michael Flomen. My early career led me into Toronto’s film industry as a scenic artist, but eventually, I was drawn westward to British Columbia, where I fell in love with the trees and the abundantly rich landscape.

Transitioning from figurative work to landscape painting was an unexpected but natural shift—trees became my people. I sought to represent the land in a personal way, exploring my emotional connection to nature through oil painting. My work celebrates themes of sunlight, joyful color, and expressive gestures.

My paintings have been exhibited in solo and group gallery shows, art fairs, and festivals across Canada and the U.S. Internationally, I have participated in exhibitions in China (Shenzhen, Hangzhou), France (Paris x2, Orquevaux), and the U.S. (San Diego, Cincinnati). My artwork is part of the permanent collection of the Diderot Gallery in Orquevaux, France.

One of my most exciting recent projects has been collaborating with my sister, Kate Taylor, as sister+sister, creating immersive art installations. Our latest work, The Butterfly Effect, was made from hundreds of sheets of handmade paper, reflecting on climate change and the impact of our movements through time and space. The installation reacted dynamically to air currents, fluttering and shifting as viewers passed through. The Butterfly Effect won the Director’s Award at Art San Diego in November 2023.

Helen Utsal