Anyone who asks Henk Helmantel if he creates religious art will immediately receive a resounding NO. Henk calls himself a Dutch painter with a strong connection to the Western European painting tradition. Henk is a great enthusiast of architecture. This interest certainly arose from the no fewer than 12 medieval churches that the Municipality of Loppersum, to which Westeremden also belongs, boasts.

The work 'The Great Church in Edam' is a typical Helmantel. Typical because it is not at all about the depiction of the church itself. The painter often selects a part of the church that others might overlook. He takes the liberty of omitting elements so that what appeals to him remains and everything fits together. 'The Church in Edam' is a very good work. When viewing it, pay particular attention to the composition, the depth, and the color scheme of the floor.