Helen Oh
b. 1962, Seoul, Korea
For several years I have been painting seashells, both contemporary and fossilized specimens, some of which are millions of years old. That their designs are virtually unchanged from ancient times to the present points to the perfection of their forms and their incredible adaptability.
These sea creatures live a mysterious existence, and after death, provide a vital service to humankind by transforming millions of their discarded shells to calcium carbonate, a key ingredient of concrete. Through these imageries, I hope to connect my audience to nature and issues of marine ecology.
To enhance the design of these intricate forms, I painted from direct observation of them, set up before my easel.
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