Artist

My Name is Bettina Miriam Sehner. 
Since 2016, Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) has become an essential part of my life and much more than just a hobby. Painting, however, has always been my most natural form of expression. As a child, instead of writing diaries, I painted my stories and emotions, often filling school tables and walls with drawings. Despite the mixed reactions to this early passion, I never stopped creating. Over the years, I explored different styles, exhibited my work, and continued to evolve as an artist.

In November 2018, I began working with digital painting. It felt only natural to merge my two passions, HEMA and Art. 

To refine my skills further, I did intense painting studies in Classical Art and Painting in Florence, Italy.  

I also own a late medieval suit of armor and am eager to pursue more armored combat and reenactment in this field.

In my prehistoric reenactment work, I bring the Stone Age—from the Upper Paleolithic to the Neolithic—to life, learning and practicing Stone Age skills on my own as well as with experimental archaeologists and advanced Stone Age reenactors through online courses, hands-on workshops and courses with professional reenactors.  I’m definitely becoming increasingly active in this field and am striving to improve even more.
Follow my stoneage journey on my Instragram Account: prehistoric.betty

Blade and Swords has created and continues to create: 

• Medieval Rabbit Art: I’m a medieval rabbit painter at heart, creating unique and custom bunny illustrations. 
• Heraldry: Repainting and designing custom coats of arms. 
• Designs & Merchandise Concepts: HEMA- and history-inspired designs for shirts, accessories, and other products (available via Spreadshirt and Amazon). 
• Books & Illustrations: For my latest book project Ultima Custodia, I worked as author, conceptualist, and illustrator. I also contribute artwork to publications and personal projects. 
• Historical Art: Tempera painting, shield painting
• Reenactment & Portrayals: Creative work for medieval and prehistoric reenactment. 
• Other Creative Projects: Exploring new ideas as they develop. 

I work in both the digital and traditional realms of art. This approach supports my growth as an artist, as each medium has its own advantages and challenges. While some may prefer to focus on just one, for me, switching between them is essential to keep my creative energy flexible and open-minded. 

Who am I?

emotional, intellectual, passionate, open-minded, curious, searching, exploring, spiritual, growing, active, passive, free, bonded, naturally, grateful, kind, in pain, in grief, in dark, in happiness in others, in myself, in the moment

An interview I did with Jason Hutt for his blog on Medieval Sword School you can find here:
https://medievalswordschool.co.uk/interview-with-bettina-at-bladenswords/

Collaborations

I believe collaboration is far more powerful than competition. That’s why I love working with other artists, HEMA enthusiasts, clubs, companies, reenactors, museums, archaeologists, historians, and anyone who shares my passions. I’m always open to new projects and can contribute as an artist, photographer, designer, or model. If you have an idea you’d like to bring to life, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
I’d love to create something together. <3