Born in New Mexico and as an adult a resident of Espanola, New Mexico, Helen Hardin was the daughter of Herbert Hardin and Pablita Verlarde, famous Indian woman painter. Helen Hardin's work showed a transition from traditional Indian painting to more modern, abstract images--some of them Cubist*--and a more painterly* style. She focused on patterns to reflect daily Indian life rather than realistic depiction. Her work also expresses a deep personal mysticism. She was a member of the New Mexico Council of American Indians and has performed as an actress on television.

Growing up with a mother who was an artist, she had early exposure to art training. She spent her first years in Santa Clara and then m...