Helena Novelletto

Helena’s journey with bulrush (bunho) began with master artisan Manuel Ferreira, from Santarém. Through his stories about the 1974 revolution and his teachings about the craft, she learned not only an art, but a path of creative freedom.

Helena transforms bunho, an aquatic plant that grows in marshes, ponds, and riverbanks, into beautiful, versatile, and timeless pieces. The harvesting is done once a year in July and August, then it is left to dry in the sun in its natural environment, and she weaves with all the strength and care the material demands. These creations, born from raw nature and her disciplined hands, are an expression of self-sufficiency and sustainable art.

Born in Brazil and currently based in Caldas da Rainha, Helena Novelletto is one of the last active bunho weavers in Portugal. But, as she is young and at the beginning of a promising career, perhaps we can hope that her dedication will inspire other artists with sustainable convictions.