Artwork copyright D. Maxwell Helppie. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2002.

Struggle Upstream, 2001

D. Maxwell Helppie
(American, born 1926, died 2012)

Location: Darrington High/Middle School, Darrington

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

‘Struggle Upstream’ is an abstract painting by artist Maxwell Helppie. He used energetic forms and color to capture movement in this underwater scene. He noted that this painting represents “a search by animal life towards home waters to create new life in an age-old cycle.”

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Darrington School District.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

The artworks of Dennis Maxwell Helppie (1926-2012) play freely between representation and abstraction. His art was influenced by the mysticism and culture of his Northern Finnish heritage. He noted: "To me, abstraction frees my creative abilities to continually explore new and different approaches to my work. It is very challenging and provides an avenue to stretch my imagination to its fullest."

Helppie grew up in the Detroit area. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps after high school from 1944 to 1947 and in the Army of Occupation in Germany. In 1951, he earned a Bachelors degree in art education with teaching credentials from Eastern Michigan University. In the 1950s, Helppie moved to Washington and taught arts and crafts at Lynnwood Junior High School and worked the afternoon shift at Boeing, where he was as an Inspector and Planner. In 1971, he earned a Master of Education degree in pyschology and counseling from the University of Washington in Seattle. He also taught business courses at Edmonds Community College for thirteen years. Helppie lived, worked, and made art in the Whidbey Island area for over thirty years.