seen from the side db waterman standing behind table working in studio with window in background

About db Waterman

db Waterman is a Dutch artist, born in the city of Eindhoven, in the south of the Netherlands. Eindhoven is home to the Philips factories and is currently well known as a global tech innovation hub.

Eindhoven is also known for the annual Dutch Design Week, which has its origins in De Witte Dame; a former Philips office building.

structered abstract mixed media collage with ripped magazine papers

db Waterman in her Studio Gallery at Strijp-S

db Waterman leaning against the windowsill of the studio art gallery with former Philips buildings in the background

db Waterman sitting at a large table in her studio art gallery

A Story of Creativity and Limitations

The Personal Story of db Waterman

I spent my formative years as an artist at the art academy in Den Bosch. Nowadays, I consider myself self-taught and have developed my own style in the unconventional medium Mixed Media / Collage. My work unites a variety of materials in careful compositions that I am proud of for their narrative ability.

I remember as a young girl I loved to cut pictures from magazines to stick on my school diaries, books and even on my bedroom door. As I got older, my desire to become an independent artist grew, but I didn't have money for expensive paints and canvases.

Instead, I saw possibilities in the most unexpected materials. Old paint scraps, worn-out newspapers and magazines became my precious ingredients. I experimented with different techniques, learned to see the beauty in the imperfect and discovered that art is not just about expensive materials, but mostly about creativity and passion.

After having and raising 3 children, I resumed my journey as an artist 12 years ago in a modest room at home, where I created my new art with passion and dedication.

My first artworks were often small, experimental works on paper. They reflected my love for recycling materials. With each new creation, my self-confidence grew. I learned that limitations can lead to innovation and that the best art often comes from simplicity.

I am proud of my artistic journey. From those first simple collages, I have grown into an artist who has found her own unique style. My work is a reflection of my outlook on life, my experiences and my love of creating. And although I do now work with a wider range of materials, I am still true to my roots: finding beauty in the everyday and creating art out of nothing.

What started as a hobby soon grew into an ambition to share my personal creativity with the world. I started looking for opportunities to sell my art online and found some very suitable online sales platforms, where I soon sold my first works.

Since 2023, I have thoroughly enjoyed working in my own 80-square-meter Studio/Gallery at the bustling Strijp-S. Here, I welcome visitors who are looking for a unique work of art or need advice for a perfectly fitting work in their home.

My studio is not only a workplace, but also an inspiring space where people can come and see art in person.

Recent years have opened doors for me to an international art world.

Invitations from galleries, art fairs and art projects from all over the world have given my work a stage at a level I could once only dream of. These experiences have further enriched my growth as an artist and broadened my horizons.

My journey illustrates how a dream, combined with passion and perseverance, can grow into a reality where art, connection, inspiration and success come together.

My Studio

Since June 2023, I have been working in a beautiful art studio at Strijp S, Eindhoven.

Housed in the iconic Klokgebouw on Strijp S, which was once a thriving Philips business park, but now reborn as a dynamic hub for cultural entrepreneurs.

The Klokgebouw, with its industrial heritage, serves as the perfect backdrop for my artworks. This former centre of Dutch innovation has undergone a metamorphosis, transforming into a vibrant hub, full of energy from creative endeavours. Here, in this historical setting, I have created a space where the industrial past merges perfectly with the present, through my urban landscape, street art and pop art works.

Photo of db Waterman art studio wall art

My sources of inspiration

Unique Textures & Stories: The urban landscape, especially the remnants left behind in the form of faded advertising posters, rust, peeling paint, and weathered walls, has always fascinated me. I find inspiration in the textures, colors, and stories these elements tell. Often seen as signs of decay, they represent layers of history and a unique aesthetic for me. My artistic process involves incorporating these elements into my mixed-media artworks. Through plaster layers, rust stains, newspaper and magazine collages, alongside acrylic paint, ink, watercolor, and pastel chalk.
I want to convey that beauty doesn't have to be perfect. It's precisely in the imperfection, the rust, and the peeling paint that true character lies.
Everything that is old and worn has a soul and is worth seeing.
Childlike Wonder & Resilience: The unwavering spirit of children ignites a spark of hope within me. Their ability to find joy and play, even amidst unimaginable hardship, is a constant source of inspiration. Witnessing them play tag in the ruins of war-torn cities or football in impoverished neighbourhoods serves as a powerful reminder that the human spirit yearns for light, even in the darkest of times. Their resilience and optimism inspire me to believe in a brighter future, a future they will inherit and shape.

Nature's Serenity & Contrast: Nature, particularly the enduring presence of trees and landscapes, has captivated me since childhood. Early experiences with the natural world continue to evoke beautiful memories and infuse my paintings with a sense of tranquility. This peacefulness beautifully contrasts the weathered cityscapes I incorporate using mixed-media techniques, creating a unique dialogue between the natural world and the urban environment. The children I depict often find themselves amidst these contrasting elements, adding a touch of wonder and representing the delicate balance between humanity and nature.

Thrilling Intrigue & Surrealism: My fascination with psychological thrillers, fostered through shared experiences with my father in my youth, continues to influence my artistic direction. I draw inspiration from the suspenseful narratives and captivating characters in these stories, translating them into my art through subtle hints of mystery and a touch of the surreal. This adds a layer of intrigue and invites viewers to engage with the work on a deeper level.

Climate Change Awareness & Human Connection: As an artist, I feel a deep responsibility to address the pressing issue of climate change. Through my work, I utilize a unique blend of mixed media techniques, including collage, painting, and occasional digital manipulation, to create visually compelling and emotionally evocative pieces. These compositions aim to raise awareness of the environmental crisis and its profound impact on our planet. I delve beyond solely depicting the environmental aspects of climate change. My art often features human figures, particularly children, immersed in or influenced by their surroundings. This serves to highlight the interconnectedness between humanity and nature.

My Work Methods

My artworks emerge from a layered mixed media process. I combine my own photography, transfers, collages, acrylic, ink, and pastel chalk. I use these materials not decoratively, but functionally: each layer plays a role in the construction of the image.

I work in phases. Layers are built up, partially removed, and then reapplied. Transparency and visibility are key. By working with layers, I can control what remains visible and what disappears, something that is less possible with traditional painting techniques.

Texture plays a significant role in my work. I am inspired by weathered surfaces such as concrete, rust, peeling paint, and old posters. I translate these raw surfaces onto the canvas through the use of materials, sanding, overpainting, and scratching.

The final result deliberately reveals the process. Layers remain recognizable and contribute to the tension in the image. This creates works in which image, material, and the traces of time converge.

Photo of db Waterman art supplies in front of a contemporary wall art piece

Colours

I draw inspiration from nature's palette, often using quiet natural tones as a foundation in my mixed-media artwork. This approach, heavily reliant on paper and magazine clippings, naturally lends itself to a base of earthy hues.

My colour choices, which include grays, blues, greens, and touches of red, sienna, and ochre, create a sense of harmony and allow for bolder accents to come to life. These natural shades provide a perfect canvas for the diverse textures and layers I build upon, ultimately leading to the captivating and evocative imagery that defines my work.

Materials

My artistic playground is a vibrant mix of materials. I'm a mixed-media artist, weaving together diverse elements like newspaper clippings, magazine scraps, and acrylic paints. This allows me to break free from conventional boundaries and create one-of-a-kind pieces on various surfaces, from textured cardboard to smooth canvas.

Each work is a unique in that unexpected materials like tissue paper or vintage music sheets find new life. I often incorporate personal touches like my own photographs or digital elements, adding a layer of personal story to the artwork.

This approach allows me to experiment with textures, colors, and dimensions, resulting in multi-layered and captivating pieces that invite viewers on a journey of discovery.

beach scene in pastel colors grey blue beige orange with running girl and rusty elements

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hair dryer full acrylic paint lying on paper full acrylic paint

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