Helene E.R. Oppenheimer
American Sign Language & Braille Clay Sculptor

-With Hospice Sculpture

-with Warrior Woman

Statement

ASL in Clay is unique in 200 years of Deaf culture.American Sign Language (ASL) is the second-most-commonly-used language in Minnesota and third in the U.S.

Deaf, blind, disabled, and elderly women have not been definitively portrayed by the art community. All of the women I sculpt emanate pride,intelligence and strength as well as the more traditional values of beauty and sensuality. My abundant-bodied sculptures reflect the feminist issues of body image and size oppression.

Growing up as a German Jew in a severely abusive environment and later in numerous foster homes, I developed a deep compassion and a commitment to reaching out to others. Early on I made a conscious decision to be an ally rather than a perpetrator, which guides me when sculpting. My art explores issues of oppression and ways to build bridges through our diversities.

After becoming permanently disabled in 1990, I was no longer able to teach high school Art, German and English, as I had for the past 15 years. Struggling with depression from my life's sudden and drastic change, I discovered clay as a means to advocate for and inspire others. ASL in Clay is the result. -Helene E.R. Oppenheimer

- with Big Is Beautiful Too & American.