About the artist
Helena Hoes is a Dutch artist, born in 1966 in Amsterdam with Dutch and Indonesian roots. She is based on Aruba since 2017.
She gets inspiration from life itself. But living on Aruba, the beautiful sea and its corals have a big influence on her ocean related art. Often with some background information.
How her work is made
Her artworks always start with rough sketches. These sketches are a start. Once she works the clay, her eyes, hands and feelings take control.
The process of making ceramic is about patience. Not only the piece needs to be totally airdry to proceed all steps of firing and glazing. After more than 20 years making ceramics, she knows how important it can be to make tests. Especially because she uses both ready mix as homemade glazes and effects.
When she was working on a commission for a hotel, she was looking for another material to work with, because of her limited size of kiln and the vulnerability of ceramic. After some research, advice and testing, she started using a homemade material that was used in the 19th century for ornaments in houses. She now uses a different, strong recipe, adapted to her work. She loves to combine her ceramic with this material, sometimes using a wooden base or galvanized wire.
Working life
Her working life includes a long period of (co-)management of a custom shop in special paintworks, signmaking and design (1992-2017). She took care of (graphic) design, sign-making and other facets of the workshop. In 2002 she started making ceramics and took year round evening courses ceramics and other materials for 4 years. Later on (2010) she combined the work of the custom shop with an art studio, where she also gave workshops, participated art routes and exhibitions. Since 2023 she is a professional artist on Aruba. Her art studio can be visited on appointment.
Series and collections
Her artworks include several never ending series and standalone artworks. Sculptures and wall art. Some tell a story, others just to make you smile. Besides these, and because of living on a touristic island, she also makes some small souvenir art. And she works on commission as well.
On Aruba her works can be found at some Gallery's and Shops., but you can also check her works online. She participates the annual art event 'Aruba Art Week' since 2019 and is invited to participate Miami Red Dot 2025.