58. Escaping Pain through Art
Helena Hötzl
Swedish painter and illustrator Helena Hötzl spent much of her childhood in pain, enduring many surgeries, using her dreams and art to satiate a hunger for escape. London’s Saatchi Gallery helped her art go international with her first exhibition in Budapest in 2008. Her career focus is on empowering girls and women.
How Did You Start Using Your Talents?
In early childhood, Helena used her artistic talents and creative imagination to escape the pain of bone disease and reparative surgeries. She turned inward to her dream life. “I was very shy, but I found something in writing and dreaming. My painting was a part of that,” she explains.
The Most Impactful Turning Point?
At age 12, “Everything turned and became better,” Helena recalls. Her bone disease was diagnosed, sparing her an amputation. Using tissue from her hip, physicians crafted a new leg, and her whole outlook on life changed. An au pair position in San Francisco opened new horizons in art, make-up and fashion.
The Most Powerful Lessons Learned?
At age 12, “Everything turned and became better,” Helena recalls. Her bone disease was diagnosed, sparing her an amputation. Using tissue from her hip, physicians crafted a new leg, and her whole outlook on life changed. An au pair position in San Francisco opened new horizons in art, make-up and fashion.
On Her Bookshelf
No particular title comes to mind, but Helena loves to read about people who have overcome adversity and go on to succeed.
Top Tools on Her Browser
Pinterest and Facebook have worked well for showing her creations. Twitter and LinkedIn have also helped Helena in marketing her work.
Connecting With Helena Hötzl
Website:
www.helenahotzl.com
Facebook:
Illustrator Helena Hötzl, Helena Hötzl Sweden, Helena Hötzl, Helena Hötzl 2, Helena Hötzl page
Twitter:
@helenahotzlart
LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=47905009&trk=hp-identity-name
