Anna von Hellens is a Finnish artist based in Berkeley, California and Chennai, India. Hellenius Botanicals is named after Anna’s distant relative, Carl Niclas von Hellens. A doctor and an ardent botanist, Carl Niclas von Hellens was responsible for expanding the collection of plants at the botanical gardens in Turku, Finland. During his tenure at the Academy, he grew the collection from a couple hundred to more than two thousand unique species. Anna von Hellens’ work reaches far beyond hand-dyed textiles to exceptional jewelry, ceramic painting, knitting, and clothing design. Foundational to her work is her distinctive use of color. Growing up in the Finnish countryside, she developed a love for its unforgettable landscape of forest and sea—notably, the blankets of brilliant white snow that cloaked the thick, dark forests throughout Finland's long winters. Later in life, she moved to Chennai, India. As she says, “seeing the women in Chennai in their incredible saris, and the flower offerings around the temples, you see combinations of colors you never, ever would have imagined.” And, these striking colors inspire and influence her work to this day.  

Anna is joined by her daughter, Maya, who recently returned to the Bay Area to be closer to family. After many years in Brooklyn, she is happy to be home in Berkeley with her husband and children. Maya finds inspiration in nature and feels most grounded while working with her hands outdoors. This, along with the desire to create something lasting from something ephemeral, catalyzed her interest in dyeing with plants. She has always had an affinity for flowers in particular, which she channels into Hellenius Botanicals' floral prints. Above all else, she is grateful for the opportunity to make art and work closely with her mom. They each bring something completely different to the table, so-to-speak. Anna is extraordinarily imaginative and intuitive, while Maya is more rational and practical—she brings focus to the project. 

Ultimately, Hellenius Botanicals is their expression of love.