Born in Finland and later a proud Canadian citizen, Risto Helin was a gifted water colourist whose work celebrated humour, movement, and the beauty of imperfection. His Fat Ballerinas series (1997–2011) became a joyful exploration of emotion and individuality, challenging conventional standards of beauty long before body positivity became mainstream.

His artistic spirit continues to live on — not just in galleries or archives, but through the laughter and inspiration his art evokes in every viewer.