For years, water has been a recurring subject matter in my work. It flows and ripples, and therefore a grateful topic to translate into a painting. Water is connected and is strongly influenced by climate change. It is often in the news, due to a shortage or a surplus, causing floods. Our relationship with water is changing. Water has become politics.
Because I myself do not have a first hand relationship with water, I have become curious about how people who deal with water on a daily basis, experience this element. What type of changes are noticeable and how do they experience their field of work?
It was time to start a more expansive series about water: Project SITW (Something In The Water). For this project I have spoken to people for whom water is part of their daily work environment, and for some a more leisurely activity. Scientists who have been able to contribute to a better understanding of nature. Entrepreneurs who make their money under water or above water and the people who take care of the nature surrounding water.
I translate these conversations in one or more paintings, a sentence or statement that has caught my attention is transformed into a piece of art, making use of the personal element in the stories of the people I have spoken to.
You will gain not so much an accurate representation as a celebration of the element water. To demand attention for this magnificent element.
Welcome to my world of water.
“The ecosystem is the first layer of protection. A natural system does not need an embankment."”
Bregje van Wesenbeeck, Coastal ecologist
Mangrove Forest l, 120x100cm,
acrylic on linen, 2021
“A mangrove forest is fairytale-like. The root system and everything that lives on and around it is an ecosystem”
Bregje van Wesenbeeck, Coastal ecologist
Mangrove Forest II,120x135cm,
acrylic on linen, 2021 (Private collection)
"More than half of the Netherlands is sea."
Klaudie Bartelink, Underwater filmmaker
Neap Tide,120x150cm,
acrylic on linen, 2021
“I am one of the few Dutch people who is more familiar with the Netherlands under water than above water.”
Klaudie Bartelink, Underwater filmmaker
Beyond, 140x140cm,
ink and acrylic on linen 2021
“The sea is in charge, the waves and the wind are your friends. You have to get to know them.”
Onno Schuitema, Sailor, surgeon
The Ride, 140x140cm,
ink and acrylic on linen, 2021
“I think we should call our planet ‘water’ instead of ‘earth’.”
Katja Peijnenburg, Marine biologist
Deep Down I, 120x120cm,
ink and acrylic on linen, 2021
“Shocking is the discovery that the smallest organisms are of the utmost important”
Katja Peijnenburg, Marine biologist
Deep Down II, 120x120cm,
ink and acrylic on linen, 2021
“If we take better care of the sea life we’re halfway there.”
Katja Peijnenburg, Marine biologist
Deep Down III, 120x120cm,
ink and acrylic on linen, 2021
“Water is a lifeline, it contains everything. Sadness, death, fun, nature, homesickness, a goal. Magnificent.”
Hans Luining,Traditional sailing skipper
Heavy Seas,150x150cm,
acrylic on linen, 2021
“The sea represents consistency, it is a familiar landscape. Water is a dynamic landscape. And the most important source of peace in my life.”
Harm van der Geest, Aquatic Ecologist
The Roller,150x150cm,
acrylic on linen, 2021
Slack,75x80cm,
acrylic on linen, 2020