We were lucky to catch up with Wendy Helmes recently and have shared our conversation below.

Wendy, appreciate you joining us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

Actually, only in the last couple of years I really discovered the value of art in my life, and the happiness it gives me.

When I was a kid and teenager, I remember myself doing creative stuff, most of the time drawing graffiti words and drawing faces. When I started high school I could choose between expression class or sport class, which both interested me. When I had to choose a study, my interests where as well in the direction of creativity or something in sport, but always the sport has won and I never made much time for creativity in my life.

Till spring 2020. The corona lock-down started, and on top of that I landed in a burnout. I had to take my time to recover, and in that period I started discovering my creative part again.
I started with hand lettering on old handsaws, then upcycling furniture, and then I discovered painting, and like in my childhood I was mostly drawn to painting faces.

It was such an awesome feeling that slowly my energy and liveliness, and with that, my creativity came back.
And I felt as well how important it was for me, to spend my time creating, because it helps me finding rest in head.
I then decided I didn’t want to fall in the old pattern again, of doing lots of activities and therefore having no time to create. So then this whole creative journey started, and I’m so happy to be on this road!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Wendy Helmes, and I’m an artist born and raised in the Netherlands, now living in Constance, which is lying on the banks of the beautiful Lake Constance, on the German/Swiss border. ​
I mainly paint portraits in a combination of realistic with abstract aspects.
I am offering original art pieces on canvas and paper, and I am also available for commissioned work and portraits.

If I should describe myself in a few words it would be: passionate, adventurous, enthusiastic, playful, honest
and of course creative.

I am actually proud on how I am doing right now. I can say I found a great balance in my daily life.
I work 3 days as a physiotherapist again, and with that I have my main income covered. Therefore I have no financial stress, which also gives me more freedom and less pressure in creating.

Next to that I have 2-3 days to create, and maybe in the future I can build that up, and slowly take steps back in physiotherapy. I must say, I’m really a people person, and I still do like my work as a physio as well, so at this point, I actually don’t know if I want to only be a full time artist, and not working directly with people anymore.

I’m not in a hurry with that decision as well. I’m really enjoying this road, and I’m just super curious where this adventure is going to bring me. Most of all I’m feeling very grateful and happy that I discovered this side of me again, and it feels to right that creating art has found a permanent place in my life.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My artwork is all about the diversity and beauty of people. I believe that every person is unique, and beautifully made and has their own qualities to bring something good into this world, and with my art I would like to display this beauty in each and every person.

My inspiration is really coming from my life experiences and the people I’ve met, and worked with.
In my twenties I have been traveling a lot, and have lived in several countries. As I said before, I’m really a people person, and I’m just always super interested and inspired by the stories of other people, people groups and cultures.

I am also a Christian, and I believe we are all perfectly created by God, and he has given us our talents, and blesses us to bless others, and that has as well a big influence on my art and vision. I hope that with my art I can communicate something of the love from God for all of us.

Next to physiotherapy, I also have worked as a social worker with drugs addicted and psychiatric people, and I also did some volunteering work, with people in poverty. Those experiences also have an effect on my art.
I am a positive thinker myself, and I’m always trying to get the best out of every situation, and out of every person.
And with my art I want the same!

So I hope that with my art I can combine all those life experiences. But as well, that I can put all those stories of people that I have seen and heard, into art pieces that are bringing hope, and vision for your own life.

It’s my mission to make meaningful art, that inspires you to be the best version of yourself, and gives you strength to do the things you are meant to do, so we can make the world a better place together.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

I was and am still sometimes struggling with calling myself an artist, and feeling valuable as an artist.
As I didn’t do a proper art study I don’t have a degree in arts, and I know with my head, that is really not important. You can be a great artist without an art study, but in my heart I feel insecure about it every now and then. It really took a while before I was able to say for the first time that I am an artist, and it still feels awkward most of the times, but slowly it’s getting less.

I also still have the conviction that helping other people is a more important job then painting a painting. So with that I also struggle sometimes. I now learn more and more that with my art I can have the same life vision as with my other work. I’m just communicating it differently, and art is directed even more on the soul , instead on the physical needs, which is actually way more valuable. So with my head I can say those things, but my heart is still learning and accepting this.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.wendyhelmes.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/wendyhelmes.art
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/wendyhelmes

Image Credits
All photos made by Wendy Helmes. Mock ups made with Smartist.