We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Gae Helton. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Gae below.
Gae, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Imposter syndrome was a big deal for me. My highest level of formal education was an associates degree in commercial art. I spent 35 years in a related field as a pre-press technician. Then I was suddenly forced into retirement in a care taking situation. Painting was initially a way to relieve the boredom. It was also a lifetime goal to become a real artist. So, how do you get there? I took classes. I painted as much as I could. My paintings were accepted into a fellows program run by the Contemporary Dayton. That was the first step to meeting the Dayton artist community. Become involved is the advise I usually give when asked how to become an artist. Meeting other artists introduces you to opportunities to grow, share and reach some financial success. Dayton has a huge, vibrant artist community. There are wonderful opportunities to learn your craft, learn how to market and show your art. Becoming involved in group endeavors can give you confidence to strike out on your own for bigger projects. I became involved with K12 Gallery, designing and painting murals and working as a helper on mosaic projects. This gave me the confidence to bid on other projects, winning 3 large scale public works. Honestly, I still suffer a little from imposter syndrome. Putting myself out there enough to sell while fulfilling my caretaker roles is a bit of a juggling act. Working as a creative everyday certainly makes retirement fun.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I love to make things; painting, drawing, cooking, quilting, woodworking, and glass mosaics. I have been a full time artist for over 10 years now as a second career. I have settled into two primary mediums, nature painting and glass mosaics. I am currently working on a wine & grapes, series in oil. This is a traditional departure from my fascination with painting insects and fish.
I have just completed a series of twelve 5″ nightlights in glass mosaic. My next glass project will be a series of dancing ladies. The dancers will be larger, ranging from 16″ to 24″ in diameter.
My work is shown at Dayton Society of Artists, Art in the City – Arcade, and 1 or 2 other local art fairs per year.
I occasionally venture into mural painting if I can find a smaller project. My personal projects include the sewer riser near the rapids in RiverScape MetroPark, and the Octopus utility wrap at the top of the stairs. I completed a Kroger mural at Woodman and Burkhart, and a glass mosaic for Northmont Library in 2023. I also help K12 Gallery’s mural program. I design murals for them and assist with painting often only coming in as a finisher. I have designed 10 murals for K 12 gallery with projects all over the Dayton area. Another design is expected to be painted in Greene County next summer.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Understanding the basics of design will significantly help any art endeavor. It really speeds up the learning curve to take classes when beginning a new medium. Get involved with the local community.
Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?
I have lived my life understanding that it would be a constant flow of interconnected yet changing lifestyles. I am very happy that I invested my early life in a field only related to my passions. I was able to care for a family without financial stress. It provided an education that was invaluable to both my working days and my time as an artist. I worked my need to create into my free time as it was available, understanding when there was no time that this phase would end. I have reached a place where much of my time is now mine to schedule as I wish. I have found that having several well rounded activities gives me elements of play interspersed into my day. Painting, which was previously play, is the new work. Mosaics and music are now play.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gae-artist.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gaehelton/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GaeHeltonArtist
Image Credits
gae_helton_120822-0456.jpg – Andy Snow
all others – Gae or Robert Helton
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
