Hélène Kuhn Ferruzzi was born into a family of musicians in Nancy, France. Her mother played the violin and the piano. Amongst her fondest childhood memories are the moments she spent under the piano, a place she loved to hide, wrapped in a blanket of sounds, while her mother would begin to play, thinking she had put Hélène to bed for a nap.

At 21 Hélène left to study in England, and during the journey she made a very special encounter when she met the Venetian painter Bobo Ferruzzi. From that moment, a bond was made which was to last a lifetime, and bring Hélène to Venice. As she sat for the numerous drawings and paintings Bobo did of her, she was able to watch first hand the artist’s creative gaze. Between the artist and his model an intense osmosis developed, and she learned to see through his eyes.

During her early years in Venice, Hélène dedicated herself to the study of singing and joined the madrigal group at the “Centro di Musica Antica” in Padua. When she was forced to interrupt her singing because of problems with her throat, Bobo suggested she learn the art of printing on fabric, which had a long historic tradition in Venice. A completely unexpected dimension opened up before her. He taught her a basic printing technique, and this instantly fascinated her because of the immediate, tangible results she observed. A further two years of apprenticeship (1982-1984) generated an ever-increasing passion. As Hélène’s skills developed and were recognized, exhibitions soon followed: in Mulhouse at the “Musée d’Impression sur Etoffes”, (one of the most important collection center for printed fabrics), then in Paris, Milan, Rotterdam, Brussels, Toronto, New-York …

In 1984, Hélène opened a space in Venice along with Nora, Bobo’s daughter. This little gallery in Campo San Maurizio became a focal point for enthusiasts and a venue for magical encounters, where Hélène was able to meet many special people who have become a part of her life.

In 1993, she moved to new premises near the Salute and the Guggenheim Museum, where she continues to be astounded by the wonderful, unexpected encounters made possible because of her work of art.