Dorothy Helyer was born in London, England but since the age of eight has lived in New Zealand. She has always drawn and painted since childhood. Music too has played a very important role in her life. After initially completing a B.A. in Anthropology from University of Otago, Dunedin, she taught for some years before deciding to embark on a Fine Arts degree at University of Canterbury School of Fine Arts in Christchurch in 1995. She completed her BFA, BFA (Hons) and finally in 2001 received her MFA(Painting) with distinction . Since then she has been a full time artist living in Christchurch, New Zealand where she works and exhibits nationally and internationally.
" My paintings are both abstract and almost always autobiographical in their origins. They are often characterised by shiny, impenetrable surfaces which seal in a history of layers that are built up, broken down and reworked. This becomes a record of what has come before. Unconsciously in my painting practice I find I invariably return to referencing the incessant forward movement of time."