A story about creativity and limitations; The personal story of artist db Waterman
- dbwaterman
- Mar 2
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 3
1. A Childhood Shaped by Creativity
As a young girl, I spent hours cutting out pictures from magazines and pasting them onto my school agendas, books, and even my bedroom door. The personal story of db Waterman is about the love for collage ; it was more than just a pastime—it was an instinctive way to create visual stories. Looking back, I realize that my fascination with mixed media art was born in those formative years, long before I even knew what the term meant.
2. From creativity limitations to self-development
My artistic journey took a more structured turn when I enrolled at the art academy in Den Bosch. There, I developed foundational skills and explored various artistic disciplines.
However, over time, I realized that my true growth came from self-discovery and experimentation. Today, I consider myself self-taught, having developed a unique approach to mixed media painting and collage.
Financial constraints often define an artist's path, and mine was no exception. Often this leads to creativity limitations. Without the means to afford expensive paint and canvases, I turned to unconventional materials, old paint scraps, worn-out newspapers and magazine clippings.
What some might see as discarded remnants became my most treasured artistic ingredients. I learned to embrace imperfection, finding beauty in the raw and the weathered, a theme that still runs through my work today.
3. The Evolution of My Style: Urban and Melancholic Landscapes
After raising three children, I returned to art with renewed passion and purpose.
My first pieces were small and experimental, often on paper, as I rediscovered my creative identity.
Over time, I became increasingly drawn to street art, urban landscapes, and melancholic landscapes—visual themes that allowed me to infuse my work with deep emotion and storytelling.
My process is deeply intuitive. I layer paint, collage materials, and textures to create compositions that carry a sense of history and nostalgia.
Every torn edge and faded newspaper clipping tells a story, forming artworks that evoke memory, place, and emotion.
4. From a Hobby to an International Art Career
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 view on life, my experiences and my love for creating. And although I now work with a wider range of materials, I am still true to my roots: finding beauty in the everyday and creating art from nothing.
What started as a hobby quickly 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 quickly sold my first works.
Since 2023, I have been working with great pleasure in my own 80 square meter Studio / Gallery on the bustling Strijp-S. Here I receive 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.
5. Embracing International Recognition and the Future of My Art
As my work gained recognition, I was invited to participate in international exhibitions, art fairs, and collaborative projects. These experiences broadened my artistic horizons, exposing me to different cultures, perspectives, and artistic movements. Being part of the global art scene has reinforced my belief that art is a universal language—one that transcends borders and speaks to our shared human experiences.
My journey from a young girl creating collages in her bedroom to an artist showcasing work on an international stage is a testament to passion, perseverance, and the power of storytelling through art. Through my mixed media creations, I strive to capture the essence of urban life, the beauty of imperfection, and the narratives that bind us all.
I look forward to continuing this journey, pushing the boundaries of mixed media art, and inspiring others to see the extraordinary in the everyday.
