Less Means More

Eva Hendriks brings memories close and the outside in with minimalist artworks in natural colours. By Tania Jacobs

Eva Hendriks’ curiosity about the typical properties of natural materials and the impact of new techniques has led her to create wall art that is both unusual and highly tactile. Hendriks’ captures the softness of grains of sand, the sharpness of salt crystals and the movement of the sea in elegant works created as autonomous expression or commissioned artwork.

The soft look of Hendriks’ art evokes a sense of tranquillity, as her work is inspired by landscapes she discovered on distant travels and knowledge she’s gained from local craftsmen she met while living in Latin-America and Asia.

Tell us about your artistic journey

I’ve always been passionate about art, it’s a constant in my life and a way of communicating and connecting with the world. Experiencing, developing and creating art is a refuge and resting point in my busy life, it’s become as much part of my life as food and friendship. After a demanding and hectic career in real estate, I decided to pursue my true passion and become a full-time artist.

How has your time living all over the world shaped your artistic view?

It has given me a sense of freedom, not being limited in creativity and a new and fresh way of thinking. I feel completely free to explore materials and techniques by visualising my ideas and making them tangible. I realised that I learn by observing, feeling and experiencing.

During my years in Asia and Latin America, I gained knowledge of different techniques from local artisans and working together gave me an in-depth insight, whilst living in another culture.

Where do you find inspiration?

Inspiration is often a combination of experiencing or discovering material in a way that is new to me, often evoking a memory. Such as salt crystals sliding through my hands on a long-forgotten holiday and the sunlight creating a spark, or standing in the middle of People square, Shanghai where thousands of tourists move around me like a whirlwind during rush hour. With a flicker of light making its way among the people - the calm in a hectic moment.

It’s these memories that spark the beginning of a new collection.

Why do you choose to use natural materials?

I’m drawn to the calm, strength and vulnerability of these materials. My background in real estate transformation, strengthened my interest in the textures that are all around us in our daily life. Raw materials challenge me to show features in a different light. With a minimalist approach, I transform them into tactile works that emphasise the elegant and soft side of the work without losing sight of its strength.

What is the key message you want to leave viewers with?

My work evokes a natural response of feeling and remembering.

Sand encourages a tactile response, running your hand through it, like a child. We often forget our inner child. The need to explore and experience without restrictions. Our senses awaken memories which is the most precious thing taken from life.