Helena Zawada is a first-generation Ukrainian descendent, born in Porto Alegre, Brazil. She first studied at the Atelier Livre, the city's artistic school and art center, in Porto Alegre. She participated in numerous exhibitions at the Atelier Livre and several other places (Binational Center, Catholic University, Banco do Brasil, etc), in addition to her contribution in the design and execution of art projects for the city's art school, including murals and signboards.
Her principal artistic advisors were: Cármen Morales, Carlos Wladimirsky, Danúbio Gonçalves, Dudi Maia Rosa, Felipe Sanatore, Hamílton Viana Galvão, Paulo Porcela, Rosane Reis, Tânia Moura, and Virgínia Quites de Paula.
Since her very first studies and art works Helena identified herself with Maria Leontina's style (neo-concretism), being also influenced by the abstractionism of Mondrian, Kandinsky, Léger, and Malevitch. She has also been involved in crafts and several other creative activities.
Helena is married to Odi Melo, with whom she had
two lovely daughters, Adriana and Daniela.