Born in Toronto, Helga Sermat grew up immersed in the language and culture of her Estonian parents. Her formal education includes an arts degree from York University in Toronto as well as further studies in theatre design, drawing, and printmaking at University of British Columbia, Emily Carr Institute of Art & Design in Vancouver and Saidye Bronfman School of Fine Art in Montreal.

She has worked as a costume and prop maker, art workshop leader for children and adults and was a co-founder of Urban Source, an alternative art materials store in Vancouver.

A condensed list of other practical work experience includes: dairy hand, assembly line worker, cleaning lady, jingle vocalist, nanny, bookstore employee, math tutor, step dancer and square dance musician.

Helga lives in Hemmingford Township, Quebec. Her illustrations have been published as greeting cards and posters and are available throughout North America. She is represented by Galerie St. Laurent in Ottawa, Ontario.

• web site : helgasermat.com • all images © Helga Sermat •