MRS. HELICHRYSUM
- ARTISTIC HUB MAGAZINE
- Mar 20
- 5 min read
Updated: Nov 21
DUBAI | UAE
Art That Whispers a Strory
The art of Sophia Van Der Bank, known as Mrs Helichrysum, is a gentle weave of emotions, stories and warmth. Her paintings and illustrations hold a quiet tenderness that awakens feelings both forgotten and familiar.
Born in South Africa and now creating in Dubai, Sophia blends past and present, dreams and memories, into a body of work shaped by reflection and sensitivity. Her chosen name carries this spirit.
Like the Helichrysum flower, which keeps its form and fragrance even when dried, her art preserves moments that remain vivid, held gently beyond the passage of time.
Who is behind the name Mrs Helichrysum? Your artistic name is inspired by the Helichrysum flower, a part of your childhood in South Africa. Could you share the story behind this name? What does it symbolize for you, and how did it become an essential part of your artistic identity?
Oh, Mrs H…
She is the woman I hope to grow into one day, even though I am the one behind the name.
Her story begins with the yellow Helichrysum flowers that covered the valley of my childhood in the Eastern Cape in South Africa. They carry the warmth of my favourite colour, the colour I associate with joy, nostalgia and home. Yellow.
I have loved capturing emotion on paper for as long as I can remember, whether with a pencil or a brush. About five years ago, a thought began to grow in me. I wanted to share this with the world. But I needed the right persona for that step. I asked myself who could hold the tenderness of Beatrix Potter and the reassuring presence of Mrs Doubtfire. Who feels like a well loved story or like warm hands wrapped around a cup of tea. Mrs Helichrysum felt like the perfect answer.
She is whoever the heart needs her to be. A mother, a grandmother, a sister or a friend. To me, she brings both steadiness and freedom.
How did you develop your style and artistic voice? Since you did not go through formal art education, how did you learn and refine your skills? What were the biggest challenges, and what do you consider your advantage compared to artists with a traditional academic background?
My artistic journey began as soon as I could sound out words and hold a crayon or a paintbrush. I grew up in a creative family where art, play and books were not only encouraged but woven into daily life. I shaped my style through a love of observing other artists and illustrators, both locally and internationally, drawing inspiration from their work while exploring my own path.
Experimenting with different media, papers and canvases became second nature. It is a process many artists move through, and there is a kind of magic in it. There is joy in discovering new colours and textures while keeping Mrs H at the centre, with her warmth, her whimsy and the narrative she carries. I wanted to let her essence flow into both my words and my paintings, creating a world that feels familiar and quietly enchanting.
Refining my skills came from a deep desire to express what Mrs H wants to say and represent for others. By repeating the process again and again, the message grew clearer and her voice emerged. I encourage other creatives to find their own narrative and let passion lead the way. Do not be discouraged. Keep going.
Since I did not receive formal training, my biggest challenge was believing in my own work. Yet my artistic voice grew naturally, without the pressure to fit into academic expectations or trends. I am not tied to traditional techniques or theory, which gives me the freedom to work in a more intuitive and playful way.
Mrs H exists because of this independence, not in spite of it.
Your art often feels like part of a story, woven with emotions and deep symbolism. Do you first create a narrative you want to convey and then transfer it onto the canvas, or does the painting itself speak and shape the story? How do you manage to blend visual fairytale like elements with deeper themes such as nostalgia, sorrow or inner strength?
The narrative exists before it appears on canvas or paper. My art is almost always paired with words or poetry, which breathe life into each piece. Much of my writing is inspired by observing people and nature. Whether the moment is uncomfortable, heart wrenching, humorous or beautiful, there is always a story waiting to be told.
My artwork often appears whimsical and cozy and is intentionally lighthearted. Yet the poetry that accompanies it can reveal a different layer, inviting the viewer to look more closely. There is always something beneath the surface. A good example is my recent Petite Nuit series. At first glance it may seem playful, but there is much more to uncover once you take a moment to look deeper.
You live in Dubai, a dynamic artistic hub that brings together creatives from around the world. How has living in this environment influenced your artistic expression? Does Dubai inspire you differently than South Africa? What is the art scene like there, and how does it feel to be a part of it?
Dubai is a beautiful city, and the UAE has a rich history, vast landscapes and an incredibly diverse culture. Living here is a privilege.
As someone who finds energy in nature, it can be challenging at times. The city, however, offers lovely parks and small hidden green spaces, little pockets of nature that create the perfect setting to sit, reflect and gather inspiration.
Dubai’s art scene is still growing, and I am excited to see how it will continue to evolve. This city has given me many unique opportunities, and along the way I have met remarkable people who have shaped and enriched my journey.
Your work has already been featured in several significant exhibitions. How do you experience the moment when your paintings leave the studio and meet the audience? Is there a particular exhibition or viewer reaction that has left a lasting impression on you?
I am naturally an introverted soul who prefers to stay out of the spotlight. I once wrote, “I hide my face beneath brims and shadows because I am too weary of eyes that perch like hawks.” So yes, stepping forward and sharing my work is both wonderful and frightening.
I know my art has created deep emotional connections with viewers, and I hope that continues. There is something profoundly moving about making someone feel.
What are you currently working on, and what can the audience expect in the future? Are there any new projects, exhibitions or series of works that are currently inspiring you?
I am currently bringing The Leaf Hopper to life, a series created to add a little extra whimsy and colour to children’s rooms, kitchens or any place that could use a touch of magic.
I am also working on self publishing a small book about two dear characters who journey through all four seasons of the year. For updates, keep an eye on @by_mrs_helichrysum.
Mrs H carries many dreams and hopes to realise much. She is there for the young and for those who remain young at heart.
Every piece Sophia Van Der Bank creates carries a story. Sometimes it unfolds through lines and colours, sometimes through words, always through feeling. Her art reaches beyond the canvas and draws the viewer gently inward. As she develops series like The Leaf Hopper, brings new books to life and continues to explore the world with her brush, one thing remains constant. Mrs Helichrysum follows quiet, unseen paths and leaves impressions that stay.
