Helice Carris-Bernstein - Modern & Contemporary Artist
Abstract expressionist painter inspired by nature, family history & daily prayers. Staying experimental with materials from Long Island to Palm Beach.
My name is Helice Carris-Bernstein. My journey into art didn't start traditionally; I spent my early years in sales at an architectural firm, then at a real estate firm where I met my husband.
One of my most fulfilling achievements in life is knowing my daughter loves me, a testament to the nurturing environment we have created for her. Her love fills me with contentment and happiness, which, in turn, fuels my passion for creating art.
My husband and daughter are my biggest cheerleaders. They appreciate every piece I create, even when I see room for improvement.
I've been painting sporadically for the past seven years, a relatively new endeavor for me. I have a constant desire to view art and find beauty in all things. I am profoundly grateful for the ability to perceive the world in this way.
My first recognition as an artist came when I won the "Best in Show" award at the 2023 student & teachers Armory Art Center show in West Palm Beach. The award was for my piece "Maple Sits", a playful submission featuring photos of my dog perched on my artwork.
Creativity has always been a part of me. I love creating things with my hands, be it through gardening, oystering, painting, or cooking.
My style leans towards abstract expressionism, heavily influenced by the New York School. If I had to describe my art, it would be dramatic, rough, earthy, and intuitively organic. Many of my pieces contain foot and dog prints, dust, erasings, and scrapings—all embedded and sealed onto the canvas.
I draw inspiration from "9th Street Women", a book about mid-century female artists, which is my favorite.
I enjoy painting with both acrylic and oil, often experimenting with different types of materials, ranging from traditional painter's canvas to fabrics used in clothing. I often sew painted canvases together and then stretch them. Before I add any paint, I usually write down my thoughts and aspirations, a process guided by my faith. I consider this dialogue with God.
My introduction to painting came through an oils art class called "NY School" with David Downs at Lill Street, Chicago. As we mimicked the styles of Rothko and Pollock, we also heard about Frankenthaler, Lee Kramer, and De Kooning. This was where I fell in love with abstract expressionism, relishing the sense of freedom it brought.
I've also enjoyed painting geometrics under the tutelage of Steve Amos, the painting director at Lill Street.
I took classes at the Armory Art Center in West Palm Beach during the winter—my home away from home. I am grateful for my teachers, Maestro Mark Cohen and Skip Measelle. During the summers, I attended classes at Eagle Art in East Hampton, the Parrish Museum Watermill, or the Southampton Art Center.
Presently, I'm working on paintings with more 'breathing' or open space, playing with color without predefining a color palette. I mix as I go, adding and taking away. Water is my favorite "tool"—my canvases are often so wet that you could wring them out. I layer water as I paint, and I've even tossed a whole bucket of water onto a piece. I have been described as a very energetic painter.
I recently attended the Monet-Mitchell exhibit at the Louis Vuitton museum in Paris. The experience left me exhilarated and inspired me to use a lot of purple in my paintings upon my return.
As I continue to evolve as an artist, I'm reflecting on my journey so far.
Education
Present
Eagle Art, East Hamptons
Present
Southampton Art Center
Present
Armory Art Center
Awards
2023
Best In Show , Armory Art Center, West Palm Beach