Point Cook artist Henk Eykman is known for his portraits of Australia’s Diggers. He chats with Star Weekly.
When did you move to Point Cook, and why did you choose to move there?
I have lived in the Point Cook area for many years. We moved here to bring up our kids due to lifestyle and affordability. We have moved a few times around the area. Our two girls are married with their own children now, and one of them has lived in Altona for quite some time. We decided recently to move to an apartment as we are older and don’t need as much room.
Is there anything you really like about Point Cook?
I joined the Altona RSL, as it’s a small club and they have many of my artworks on display to honour our veterans. Each year I sell Anzac and Remembrance badges or poppies to raise funds for veterans’ welfare and I sell them at Sanctuary Lakes shopping centre. I love living in Point Cook and the people. (We) can’t afford to buy a place in Altona, which also has wonderful people.
Are you involved in any arts or community groups or activities, in the west?
I don’t belong to any art groups that you go to, but am part of many groups via Facebook, etc including Wyndham Arts collective and others in the area.
Tell me about your art.
All my works are created to honour those in the Australian Defence Force (ADF), or are sold to raise funds for veterans and or their families. I had to retire some years ago so this is my way of giving back to the community. I run art therapy classes for the Altona RSL ACTIVE veterans and/or their families each week, to help them with mental relaxation and or if they have stress in their lives.
See facebook.com/HenksArt for details.
