The Quiet Brilliance
of Helen Hardin

By Rebekah Powers | July 2024

Her drawings are meticulous, mathematically precise, intricate abstractions from Native American symbology. They are mesmerizingly complex and yet the designs are essential forms, lines drawn with sureness, purpose and a deep understanding of their spiritual significance. Born into the Santa Clara Pueblo, her Tewa name “Tsa-Sah-Wee-Eh” translates to Little Standing Spruce.

“Posing On The Plaza”, Copperplate Etching and Aquatint 33/65 1982, 12″ x 10″

Her mother was Pablita Velarde, the famous painter of Santa Clara and her father was an Anglo policeman named Herbert Hardin, so she had a second name: Helen Hardin. It is telling that it would be her Anglo name that identifies her as an artist, as she was not accepted fully into Pueblo culture and struggled all of her life with her identity. Even in her meteoric success, her joy was measured by the rift it caused between her and her mother as well as the tribal elders.

“Bountiful Mother”, Copperplate Etching and Aquatint 2/15 ca. 1950-1975, 17″ x 15″

Etching requires the meticulous attention to detail and time consuming focus that was Helen’s forte. It was the natural evolution of her modern sensibilities. The art world took notice, and her sensitive shapes, delicate textures and perceptive detail have codified her place in a broader culture. Sadly, her life was cut short and her brilliance was lost. But because of her diligent effort to leave something that remains, we know her.

“Zia Bird”, Copperplate Etching and Aquatint 23/50 1980, 15” x 17.75″

Her last series during three years of grueling treatment was a reflection of her life and on what it meant to her to be a woman, “Woman’s Series”. She was a small person, she was quiet and unassuming for so long in her mother’s shadow. But when the light found her, she was standing, strong and resilient. She no longer has to find her place in the world. She can be seen at Chimayo Trading, now showing an exquisite collection of works by Small Standing Spruce, (Helen Hardin) 1943-1984.

“Acoma Parrot”, Copperplate Etching and Aquatint 33/65 1981, 16” x 21.5″

“Mimbres Kokopelli”, Copperplate Etching and Aquatint 30/65 1984, 22.25” x 22.25″

“Spirit Of Autumn”, Copperplate Etching and Aquatint 12/65, 1983, 14.75” x 9.75″

“Hopi Rain Bird”, Copperplate Etching and Aquatint 31/65 1982, 2” x 10″

“Mask In The Dark”, Copperplate Etching and Aquatint 63/65 1980, 10” x 8″

“Guardian Of The Mist”, Etching and Aquatint, 37/60 1980, 22.5” x 22″

“Hopi Illusion”, Etching and Aquatint 2/60 1980, 26″ x 20″ – SOLD

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