From the very beginning of Hardin’s career she was at the cutting edge of Indian-influenced art. Her art, though obviously drawing on her Indian heritage and tradition, was very much in the mainstream of modern aesthetics.

Hardin’s work “was the act of art-making itself, the process of creation, which became for Hardin…an all-consuming attempt, through the placement of line and the choice of color, to restore the harmony of natural forces.” (Changing Woman) This theme of restoring harmony had largely to do with the inner conflicts she herself faced as an artist and as an Indian woman estranged from her heritage. The theme of nature creating a balance, playing a part in the color and designs Hardin used, shows particularly well in her Mimbres paintings.

This painting entitled “Salute to the Past” depicts a Mimbres Man and is full of rich earthy browns, creamy tans, and clay-like red-browns that have become a trademark of the Southwest. Mimbres were one of Helen’s most common figures. They were her way of relaxing and bringing herself into the painting process. Usually before she began one of her larger paintings she would paint a small Mimbres figure to get her creativity flowing. Nevertheless these warm up pieces showcase Helen’s technical dexterity while displaying a very whimsical quality enchanting her viewers.

This piece was made either by spraying, painting, or sponging the brownish tan background layer on and then adding a slightly darker color in the center, for contrast. This darker layer is slightly bigger than the Mimbres character and follows the lines and contours of his body.

After the background was completed the artist then outlined all of her detail with pen and began painting and spraying on detail until she became satisfied with the lines and layers. She finished by adding a covering of polymer varnish that serves to heighten the underlying colors.

The piece is signed in the lower right corner and dated 1976. It is in original excellent condition.