International Creative Women

3 Female International Artists to know in Eindhoven

Covid 19 has aff ected many industries especially the creative one. There were no fairs, exhibitions or markets for a long period. So we wanted to shine a light on a few talented creative women and showcase their work.

Ioana Caraba (Romania), Payal Puthran (India) and Henriett Brezinski (Hungary) are gifted painters and active members of International Creative Women’s community. Their work can be seen and bought at Creative Town, a new co creation space in the city centre of Eindhoven.

1. When did you arrive to EHV, why EHV? Payal Puthran (P.P): I came to the Netherlands 8 developed as a hobby for my whole life. During all these years, I just tried new techniques, took a few years ago because My husband had taken up a new art classes and gradually developed my skills. role in his company. So Eindhoven wasn’t really a H.B: I started to practise painting regularly 10 years choice for me, but it soon became a place that I ago. I was really lucky because after the fi rst year, would start to love. I got a scholarship and I had my fi rst exhibition. At

Ioana Caraba (I.C): I moved here almost 2 years ago. the same time I started to learn art therapy. The two Eindhoven was not our chosen city but we got a ways developed together in my life. job offer in Eindhoven and we loved it! It just fi ts perfectly to our requirement. Henriett Brezinski (H.B): When I met my Dutch 3. What motivated you to start a business? P.P: When I fi rst came to the Netherland, I wanted husband 6 years ago, we both lived in Greece. After to start a business. I had decided to take a yearhe decided to come to the Netherlands to meet his long break from being a software engineer and try family, he asked me and I said, yes. Also, I worked to follow my passion. But it was not easy due to with a company in Valkenswaard in the past. So, it unfamiliarity with the culture and language, so I was natural for me to come to Eindhoven, almost went back to my profession but continued making like a coming home. art and gifted my products to my close friends. I 2. When did you start painting? P:P: I have been painting for as long as I remember. got very positive feedback and realized that my products are good and deserved to be seen by more people. So I started to join markets and opened an My youngest memory is fi nger painting the walls of online store. my house, much to the annoyance of my mother. I.C: Well, I always thought about my hobby as a Other than that, there were weekly classes in school. hobby, not a business. But when I moved here and I didn’t have a chance to learn to paint formally, and I met so many wonderful people, many were very all of what I do today is by observing and doing. encouraging and saying, ”Hey, you can sell these!

I.C: Well, all my life (smiles). I started when I was fi ve. You can start a business easily here”. So I just But unlike other kids who copy or colour in books, thought, why not? I was just drawing my own paintings and it slowly H.B: When I worked together with the company in

Valkenswaard in the past, I realized how logical the which I didn’t even expect when I joined. It’s an

Dutch system was not overwhelmingly bureaucratic amazing process and I am so grateful for that! Every but more reasonable and helpful. It was an easy meeting is a new inspiration for me. I often get new step to start a business, especially because I am ideas by meeting and talking. I feel the energy is passionate about helping people discover how truly uplighting and I love this vibe! 4. beautiful it is for the soul, to make art. How art has impacted your life? P.P: Art gives me the ability to express myself and 6. Best part of Living in EHV? P.P: Well, it is home now. There is a lot of happiness even when returning from a good vacation away. it is like an outlet. Art is my home, my safe port, is I have grown to love the Dutch culture that is so what I do in my best or my worst. vastly different from my own Indian culture. I also

I.C: Well, it is my way of relaxation. it just gives me love the fact that Eindhoven is so well located to comfort and I can forget about time or stress or make that quick, unplanned getaway in just a few anything else. Art is part of me now. Though many hours. other things have changed: my job, my city, my I.C: What I love about the city is that I can trust country, even my group of friends - but art remains people, I can ask for help and people will actually a constant. try to help me. The state is transparent and is

H.B: Beautifully! Colours have such power! They helpful. I feel very safe and very welcomed even as open us up without even being conscious of the a foreigner. I doubt if there are many other cities like process, and provide us with a greater emotional Eindhoven where a foreigner is accepted so well. balance. I love the end result as well, which brings H.B: Besides having this beautiful community, I get positive vibes to other people’s homes. As artists, to know more people with similar goals, who think we can drag the attention towards certain points, alike. Through regular communication and common feelings that are important to us. Through my activities, deeper personal connections are evolving artwork, I can bring this energy to people’s lives, in my life. I also love that Eindhoven is a big city and which I personally fi nd very rewarding. still, it doesn’t feel big. It has a natural environment 5. Best part of being an International Creative Woman. with lots of green spaces and water bodies, which is lovely.

P.P: ICW is an immensely encouraging group. I have learnt a lot in terms of communication, interactions, smart marketing and more importantly, supporting Pictures: Anca Bejinaru each other. ICW gives you the feeling of having Text: Sudakshina Ghosh Coder & Writer found your tribe. I thank them from the bottom of my heart for existing and I wish I had found them sooner.

I.C: It’s a feeling that I can count on ICW .It is a community where I can get support, offer support and be part of a family that does things together and helps each other. It’s not a contest, it’s not like trying to undermine others, but it’s a helpful group that lets everyone get in front and be recognized and visible.

H.B: I am learning so much from this community,

LEARN DUTCH AT THE HIGH TECH CAMPUS

Do you want to learn Dutch quickly and thoroughly?

If you work on the High Tech Campus in Eindhoven, you don’t have to travel far to do so. Language Institute Regina Coeli provides Dutch language courses on campus. It’s easy to combine with your daily work, and there’s a course for every level. Learning the Dutch language and getting to know the customs of the country will help you understand the Dutch and integrate smoothly.

Why Regina Coeli?

· Time-tested method based on scientifi c insights · Unique method ensures that you learn to speak a foreign language quickly and effectively · Well-educated native speakers who delve into your situation · Easy to combine with your daily work