Today we’d like to introduce you to Wilhelmina De Haas.
Hi Wilhelmina, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
INTRO
My name is Wilhelmina—though many friends and colleagues call me Mina. I was born in Montreal, Canada, to Dutch parents who had recently immigrated, and I grew up bilingual, speaking Dutch at home. Creativity has always been my compass. I am a writer, poet, pianist, painter, graphic artist, and photographer—and I carry with me a deep family legacy as a direct descendant of the Koekkoek family, a lineage of celebrated Dutch painters.
Over the years, people have described my art as unique, experimental, and thought-provoking. Of all my creative expressions, I take the greatest pride in my digital montages—a journey I began about fifteen years ago, growing naturally out of my work as a graphic designer. These pieces have been called symbolic, layered with hidden meanings. I prefer to describe them as “Subject to Interpretation.” Each work is an invitation to the viewer to pause, reflect, and make their own meaning—not just to see what the piece might say as a whole, but what it whispers to them personally.
My digital montages are composed entirely in Photoshop, built from hundreds of found images, meticulously layered and woven into a final vision. Alongside this work, I continue to paint in acrylics—lately turning to dog portraits and the colorful birdlife of Florida—as well as photography, especially when traveling or wandering through nature. These different forms nourish one another; together they form the mosaic of my creative life.
I’ve been fortunate to share this work through a number of solo exhibitions in Connecticut and Florida, where I now reside. My most recent show was held at the Art Ovation Hotel in Sarasota. Over the last decade, I’ve received awards and recognition, while also publishing as a writer in regional magazines and even writing a children’s book. My work in its many forms—digital, painted, photographed—can be found on my website: wilhelminadehaas.com.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Every creative life comes with its own hurdles. For me, they have often centered around three things: finding inspiration, gaining exposure, and most recently, grappling with the rise of AI and what it means for the art world.
When inspiration falters, I turn to the world around me. Museums spark my imagination, as do the beaches and natural spaces of Florida. I find renewal in small details: the lone flower in the sand, the gleam of a shell at my feet, the colors of a horizon just before dusk. Beauty is rarely in the grand sweep—it so often hides in the overlooked corners. People often ask me how I find the time to create. My answer is simple: I choose to. The average American spends nearly five hours a day watching television. For me, that time has always been too precious. I’d rather be making, learning, or exploring. Creation feels like participation in life itself.
Exposure is another challenge all artists face, especially independent ones. Many Florida galleries lean toward coastal themes or established names, which can make it difficult to break through. I’ve built my presence in other ways: sharing my work on Facebook and Instagram (where I’ve sold pieces), building a website, handing out business cards at farmers’ markets, and joining community spaces like the Venice Art Center, which has been a true joy. I’ve also approached restaurants and businesses to display my work, and I say yes to opportunities like this one—each connection widens the circle. My philosophy is simple: the world is your oyster. You will stumble, but each small success is a stepping stone to something greater.
And then, there is AI. At first, I was fascinated. The idea that words could conjure images felt both magical and unsettling. But as the conversation shifted toward AI replacing artists, I felt a deep unease. Over time, I came to understand what many art lovers already know: nothing replaces the warmth, touch, and humanity of art made by human hands. Today, I view AI not as a threat but as a tool. Sometimes, when an idea lingers in my mind but resists taking form, I’ll use AI to generate a spark, a starting point. From there, I bring it back into my own hands and imagination. In that sense, it has become a kind of collaborator in inspiration—not a replacement for artistry itself.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
For this feature, I’ve chosen to share only my digital montages. My paintings, photography, and other works can all be found on my website, but these montages are perhaps the clearest expression of my love for surrealism and fantasy. My greatest influences in this realm have been Hieronymus Bosch and Salvador Dalí—two visionaries who opened entire worlds within their canvases.
Two of the works featured here are direct homages to Bosch:
“Garden of Earthly Delights – Panel Three”
This piece reinterprets one of Bosch’s most famous triptychs. The right panel of the original, painted in the early 1500s, depicts Hell in all its chaotic intensity. My version honors the original imagery while reframing it with modern elements, using hundreds of found images stitched into a digital collage. It is, in many ways, a conversation across centuries—a Dutch master reimagined through a contemporary lens.
“Temptation of St. Anthony”
Created during the 2020 quarantine, this work re-envisions Bosch’s Temptation of St. Anthony. It was built entirely in Photoshop, using more than 200 layers and over 150 hours of painstaking construction. Look closely and you’ll find me within the piece, wearing my white Dutch hat, alongside a surreal cast of characters—flying nuns, Spiderman, even the Tin Man from The Wizard of Oz. Each element was chosen with care, layered into a world that feels at once strange, familiar, and timeless.
Thank you for allowing me to share my journey and my work.
Keep creating—always!
What do you like and dislike about the city?
The Tampa Bay region is truly incredible! From the sparkling coastline to the lush inland trails, there’s always something new to discover. My husband and I absolutely love exploring the area, and whenever we get the chance, we take little weekend adventures with our sweet terrier rescue, Lucy, who has quickly become the best travel companion.
Some of our favorite destinations include Homosassa, where the manatees gather in the crystal-clear springs, and, of course, the untamed beauty of the Everglades, which feels like stepping into another world. No matter which direction you head, the natural beauty here is breathtaking.
Closer to home, Venice holds a very special place in our hearts. It’s not only where we live, but it’s also a vibrant artist’s haven, filled with galleries, studios, and a welcoming creative community. Crossing the iconic Sunshine Skyway Bridge never fails to leave us in awe—the views of the bay are simply unforgettable.
For arts and culture, Sarasota is a gem all on its own. From world-class performances at the Van Wezel to the treasures at The Ringling, there’s always something inspiring to experience. Personally, I could spend hours wandering through the Dali Museum in St. Petersburg—its surreal exhibits always spark new perspectives.
Looking back, leaving Connecticut and moving here seven years ago was the best decision we’ve ever made. This region offers the perfect mix of outdoor adventures, artistic inspiration, and coastal charm. It truly feels like home, and we’re grateful every day to be part of this community.
Pricing:
- Prices upon request for all digital pieces
- All artwork on website is for sale
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wilhelminadehaas.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildandwonderfulflorida/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wilhelminadehaas
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wilhelminadehaas871
Image Credits
Not applicable
