Helen R. Haddad

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Helen Haddad creates charming and whimsical creations using an unexpected printing medium: a potato! She started making potato prints with her children but felt that the possibilities of the potato as a printing block had been underestimated and began making sophisticated prints. She enjoys the organic aspect of working with a very natural, recyclable printing block and non-toxic materials. She likes turning and idea into an image; the finished print always surprises her.

From frogs and owls to pigs and peacocks, Helen captures the essence of woodland and farmyard animals alike through her careful creative process. She most often works within the confines of a single potato, selecting one with a shape that will enhance the design. The production of each print involves carving the flat surface of a cut potato with linoleum cutters or other tools, painting the block with paint, and then applying the block to paper, resulting in a unique print. She completes this entire process quickly, before the surface of the perishable potato starts to deteriorate. She also creates larger prints, which use multiple carved blocks.

Each of Helen's creations are completely unique and complex, with the moisture of the potato printing block adding its own special touches to the final print. In addition to animal motifs, Helen enjoys creating maps of the local region with hand carved blocks of trees, animals, and other map features. She sometimes finishes these amazing creations with fine pen details by hand.

Her products connect her to the region through the beauty of the North Quabbin landscape and the fascination of its wildlife which are always an inspiration and her growing some of her printing blocks.

Helen is originally from Eastern Massachusetts and has lived in the North Quabbin region since 1968. If asked what she likes about living here, she'll tell you it’s the land and the people. "I appreciate the rural nature of the area- the trees, farms, old fields and stone walls, as well as the open, innovative nature of the inhabitants." She enjoys her Tree Farm and the Wendell State Forest.

While Helen's potato printing techniques are self-taught, she has an art background, having studied at Smith College and the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. Her work has been featured in North Quabbin Woods, Artspace in Greenfield, Salmon Falls Artisan Showroom in Shelburne Falls, Hosimer Gallery in Forbes Library in Northampton, Gallery at Wendell Free Library, Art Shows in Massachusetts, and various demonstrations at schools and libraries. Her largest piece is a seven-foot dragon mural in the Wendell Public Library. Helen occasionally teaches workshops, accepts commissions for custom work, and is active in the community. In addition to potato prints, Helen is a published writer and illustrator.

Helen R. Haddad
75 Jennison Road
Wendell, MA 01379

Phone: (978) 544-3409, (413) 586-7974
Email: hrhaddad@juno.com