The Palm Beach Fine Craft Show, March 5-7, offers works in twelve different categories, with art objects ranging from sculptures made of wood, glass, paper, metal and mixed media by some of the top artisans in the country, many of whom include among their list of collectors the Museum of Fine Art in Boston, Art Institute of Chicago and the White House.

Helen Otterson

Included in these artists is Helen Otterson, of West Palm Beach, who creates biomorphic forms stemming from her interest in the human encounter with disease.

“Disease is an experience that radically transforms life through its ability to force a discussion about human suffering and survival,” she said. “I have witnessed how a devastating disease, while excruciating, can change one’s life in a positive and powerful way.”

Personal experience and microscopic slides of human tissue influenced her textured organic forms  that explore the relationship between health and disease.

"Momentary Harmony," 17 by 14 by 12 inches, ceramic $2,200

“My sculptures explore the temporary symbiotic relationship between healthy and deadly cells. My reference material is alluded to through the use of glass, which parallels the qualities seen in the images seen thru the microscope. The highly textured surfaces are reminiscent of microscopic textures and imply the growth of disease while yellow, red and amber allude to bodily fluids. Concurrently, the bright quality of the colors used reflects the positive consequences that disease can cause.”

"Succulent Flora," 14 by 11 by 12 inches, ceramic $2,200

The 7th Annual Palm Beach Fine Craft Show is held at the Palm Beach County Convention Center, 650 Okeechobee Boulevard, West Palm Beach. General admission tickets are $15 and $13 for seniors.
Show hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday. For information, call (561) 366-3000.

"Untitled," 12 by 6 by 7 inches, ceramic $2,200