Helen Roeten

Today, Helen (53). Rosalie, one of my Bloomers, pointed me to Helen and her artwork. Helen is a sensual artist. She creates and promotes sensual art projects. The question she tries to answer with her work is sensuality, especially the sensuality of women, because she likes women the most.

While she was in my studio, we talked about her body positivity project, which she briefly discusses in her interview. She told me that eight out of ten women she spoke with during the project are unhappy with their bodies. She wants to change that body image with her art and art initiatives. During our conversation, Helen suggested shooting a nude portrait to honor her own body and create body positivity awareness.

She had breast cancer 10 years ago. Ever since she’s been rocking with her weight and dealing with depression, she has embraced her body and, in my opinion, radiates beauty, and her beauty has nothing to do with age, size, color, or shape.

She gives art class sessions via Zoom and is committed to “local naked heroes”; nude posing for a good cause: breast cancer prevention.

What do you do for work?

I am a painter. I paint on paper, canvas, clothes, shoes, and objects. The theme of my work in women. Their beauty and sensuality. I celebrate being a woman in my art.

Tell us more about your body positivity project?

Last August, I organized the exhibition and art event: “Delicious Body” in Alkmaar, the Netherlands. All around Body Positivity. I found out by talking to women of all ages that 8 out of 10 are not happy with their bodies. No matter their age, size, shape, color, etc., most women are not satisfied with their bodies. I think that is so sad and we hardly talk about it. To me, beauty is about passion and feeling well in your own skin. With my work, I try to erase awareness of the beauty of women.

What is your message to women worldwide?

Be kind to yourself and to other women. Women often criticize themselves and others. We should support each other. Real sisterhood and kindness are essential instead of jealousy and envy.