For Hella De Santarossa painting is something quite natural. At Derix, her parent's company, she was always surrounded by artists, glass painters and craftsmen. The smell of the oil-based grease from the smoldering iron was her lullaby. In this way she grew up with painting - the workshop was her nursery.

Curious to know the reality of adult life she created, at the age of 11, her first multi-media performance on a scale of 1:1. In this way she earned her first pocket-money for a few extra chocolate marshmallows.

Painting has become the elixir of her life. She is a witness of her times, a critical observer, a committed fighter and a voice in the wilderness. In her pictures she records movement and development - with the immanence of snap-shots.
Work on the "Red and White Cart"