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

Shaman's Mask, 1992

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

Location: Lakeview Elementary, Tacoma

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Shaman's Mask is a colorful symbolic painting by late artist D. Maxwell Helppie. He noted that in the Sami culture of northern Scandinavia in Europe, shamans were considered "go-betweens" for humans and gods, and a protector, healer and leader. He stated "as I developed the concept of the painting, I visualized the Shaman's Mask as the portrayal of the spirit of the Shaman. I attempted to show the mystery which a mask never would reveal the behind it the energy of the healing shaman."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Clover Park 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.