The original idea was to start this triptych of nude portraits with Helen, the initiator, posing naked for AndBloom out of love for ourselves and to raise awareness for the aging female body.
According to some women, body positivity over 40 should only be about aging fuller women and not about bodies in general. Some of the comments I received on IG proved how critical women can be of each other. I even deleted a few. Fortunately, most of my followers are very positive. Just like Helen and her work, you should see the importance of self-love and loving your aging body no matter what it looks like.
#bodypositivityover40
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.
We should be supportive of each other. Real sisterhood is essential and kindness.
What’s the worst/best part of getting older for you?
The worst part is becoming stiff and not flexible. The best part is becoming freer and freer in expressing myself. I learn to take better care of my needs. By taking better care of myself, I can take better care of others. Being open is an immense treasure.
What’s your fantasy version of your older self?
I see myself as a colorful older lady. Still painting, traveling, with a playful and sexy attitude.
What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever done?
To keep on being hopeful in times of depression and fear attacks.
What are you most looking forward to in the next six months?
Being able to travel again and be part of the exhibitions that I’d like to venture abroad.
Favorite thing to do when no one is around?
Take long baths and watch good movies and documentaries while taking them.
Best new discovery?
I recently discovered the colour walk in London. It is an informal gathering of colourful, creative souls who meet, dressed in their finest, to walk, talk, and strut their stuff. I really want to start a color walk in Amsterdam. Each first Monday of the month, Noordermarkt—Amsterdam. They dress up in colorful and fantastic clothes, look at each other’s creations, and talk about life.
What is your age, and how old do you feel?
I am 54, and I feel ageless.
