My art celebrates the rich and fragile diversity of natural Florida.

The muggy, viney, wabi-sabi environment of Florida is a constant source of wonder, from the prickly palmettos of the flatwoods, through the sumpy cypress swamplands, and to the bright, coastline thicketed with mangroves. Even the most commonplace details of nature demand attention, such as ropy philodendron vines, palm seed pods, a foraging ibis, or a lacy thread of spanish moss.

Making art helps me see and value nature’s processes at work. Using a variety of non-toxic intaglio, relief and monotype printmaking methods, I create abstract and semi-representational pieces on paper. The work may also include multimedia treatments with textiles, original photographs, drawing or painting — whatever it decides it needs to grow to maturity.

Artist biography
When Mary-Helen Horne took a pottery class with her six-year old son, she discovered that making art was a welcome creative counterpoint to her career in IT and operations management. While her son moved on to other interests, she continued to develop her artistic avocation via self-directed practice and study.

After moving to Tampa, Florida for a new job, she took up surface design. A monotype class sparked Mary-Helen’s interest in further study of printmaking methods and design principles. Upon retirement from her business career, Mary-Helen has dedicated herself fully to developing her art portfolio and skills.