Helen Hardin Aquatint Etching "Unity of Prayer and Song" [SOLD]

Printing: 3-25-83 to 8-17-83

Master Printers: Ricardo C. Ximenes, Catherine Clinger, Yvette Tapp

Impression #60/65

Printed in six colors on cream paper, this fine image depicts a composite mask of three faces, the six distinct colors being burnt umber, yellow ochre, benzine yellow, English red, Alizarin Crimson, and Midnight blue. Quite ethereal and suggestive, a beautiful image of a collective ancient past through the vibrant eyes of a modern master. Signed at right, Tsa-sah-wee-eh with the artist cartouche and the initials HH.

Helen Hardin (1943-1984) Tsa-Sah-Wee-Eh - Little Standing Spruce had only begun working with the etching process in 1980.  During her etching career, she only produced 22 individual etchings.  Sue Di Maio, an art dealer from California, Arizona, and Santa Fe, had made it her mission to talk Helen Hardin into supplementing her acrylic painting with carefully controlled prints. She felt that Helen could not keep up with the demand for her art if she only produced original paintings.  At first, Helen was not in agreement.  She agreed to meet with Ricardo Ximenes of El Cerro Graphics for a primer in printmaking.  Helen agreed to give printmaking a try.  Fortunately, she loved it and collectors love her prints.

Condition: this Helen Hardin Aquatint Etching "Unity of Prayer and Song" appears to be in original condition.

Provenance: from the estate of a former client from Colorado

Recommended Reading: Changing Woman: The Life and Art of Helen Hardin by Jay Scott. 1989. Northland Publishing.

Photo of Helen Hardin (1943-1984) Tsa-Sah-Wee-Eh - Little Standing Spruce. Image Source:  the photo copies (of original polaroid’s) of Helen Hardin appear courtesy of the photographer.