What Makes Mary Helmer
More Than a Photographer
Mary Helmer is our needed reminder to love and treat our earth with care and consideration. Capturing captivating views of wildlife and nature, she shows the future of Indigenous communities through the eyes of her grandchildren.
Mary's work is featured in PWB's Virtual Gallery 'Original 'Perspectives' for the 2020 CONTACT Photography Festival.
“In this photo, my grandson Isaiah is dressed in his Haida Regalia. He’s very proud of his Haida culture. The button blanket he is wearing has one of our main Crests - the frog on it, the paddle, and eagle on his headpiece - are from some of our Clan crests.”
By Mary Helmer as featured in the Original Perspectives Exhibit
Regalia in Indigenous cultures refers to the traditional and often sacred clothing and accessories worn or carried during various ceremonies.
The design, type and meaning of regalia varies depending on the individual who wears it, the culture from which it originates and the event where it is worn.
Learn more about different types of Regalia here.
“It felt like the ancestors were present when I was taking this photo - the past and the present met, giving the photo the emotion it needed.”
Thank you Mary for continuing to express the need to respect past traditions and struggles, and a desire to inspire future generations of Indigenous artists to showcase their own unique perspectives
Want to become more than a photographer?