Ina Menalda

Ina evolved as an artist late in life. Born in 1931 in the former Dutch East Indies and emigrated to Holland after the war she worked as a trained nurse until her marriage in 1959 and soon after was mother of three daughters. 

Her artistic activities were restricted to practicing the "sumi-e" (Japanese ink) technique during a years stay in the USA. 

Only in 1971 -while working part-time as a teacher and consultant at the Leiden Academic Hospital she started with ceramics. Her main mentor was Jaap Ravelli. 

Only after quitting her job following a move to the eastern part of Holland her artistic efforts gradually progressed into a more professional mode. She soon started making bronzes, tutored by Henk Gobel and some years later graphics followed after a course given by Wim Zurne. During the last few years papier macha. usually combined with nature finds, was added to the repertoire.