db Waterman's Mixed Media Artwork 'It Seemed Such a Good Idea' Nominated for Climate Prize
- dbwaterman
- Mar 31, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 6
At a time when more and more people are becoming aware of climate change, visual art can play a very important role in starting conversations about climate change.
My work, “It Seemed Such a Good Idea”, was selected as one of 13 finalists for the “Portraits From the Precipice” art prize - an initiative of Octopus Energy in collaboration with Artfinder. It was part of the exhibition at The Royal Academie of Arts in London. The aim is to raise awareness of climate change ahead of the COP26 United Nations climate summit in Glasgow (2020).
In my artworks, I tell stories-not only about people and nature , but also about themes such as climate change and pollution of the earth. In doing so, I use Mixed Media techniques where I combine layers of texture and image to create unique, expressive works.
This artwork “It seemed such a good Idea”, a form of landscape art with raw, emotional undertones, depicts the irony of human choices towards nature. What once seemed like such a good idea now appears to be endangering the planet. But it is also about the boys jumping into the water because that seemed like a really good idea.
The power of original art in public spaces
The selection of my work 'It seemed such a good idea' not only gave me recognition for my work. But it also meant that I could participate in a major exhibition in London , which featured artworks in train stations, tube stations and other public spaces. From November 2019, this project formed the backdrop of the world's largest outdoor art initiative around climate change. Artists worldwide were asked to create a special artwork with the question, ‘What does climate change mean to you?’
My work hung there - among commuters, tourists, Londoners - visible in the daily lives of thousands of people. On billboards, in bus shelters and the underground. Not hidden in a gallery, but where everyone could see it and think about it.... It was an extraordinary experience to see exclusive art, normally viewed by a few, suddenly hanging in the middle of the crowd. I believe that art with a story is one of the most powerful tools for discussing social issues.
Why “It Seemed Such a Good Idea” impressed
My entry for the climate prize shows a sunny water landscape that displays both beauty and destruction. The layering of the work literally and figuratively reflects the layers of meaning: it is composed of collage, acrylic paint, paper fragments, and texture - a visual translation of the layered relationship between man and nature. My choice of mixed media reinforces the story: nothing seems wrong, everything seems in place, but when you look more closely, the image is no longer so pretty. The work is both original art and a symbolic reflection of our times.
Not only was this piece included in the exhibition, it was also chosen by BEIS (the UK's Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy) to be printed on postcards. These cards were distributed to key stakeholders, policymakers, influencers and participants in climate-related events. That my work was allowed to contribute to greater awareness around climate issues in this context felt like a huge honour.
db Waterman - Mixed Media art with texture and meaning
As an artist, I am constantly looking for the connection between form and content. My style is best described as landscapes with a story, combining layers of imagery, acrylic paint, ink, texture and typography to create an image that is alienating. I want to make the viewer think about what is happening . Each work is unique, with traces of the past, worn edges, peeling paint and fragments of memories. Layer by layer, I build a story, where beauty and decay go hand in hand.
My work is known as unique art with a clear signature - both in visual style and theme. I don't make decorative art, but work that asks questions, that falters, that doesn't just let you go. Whether it is about the human condition, about landscapes undergoing slow change or about the climate crisis - my works have a voice of their own.
Why climate change is not only political, but also cultural
Climate issues are often approached from the perspective of science and policy. But just as important is the cultural conversation: how do we as humans feel about the changes we see? What role does our imagination play in creating a different future? Art can turn that abstract image into something tangible. Original art makes it possible to not only understand climate change, but actually feel it. Especially when art shows a future image of what could happen to the world as a result of climate change.
By participating in “Portraits From the Precipice”, I noticed that art and activism can reinforce each other. Not as propaganda, but as an honest, aesthetic reflection on our times. For me, it was therefore natural to participate with a work that places a critical note, but also leaves room for interpretation.
Future and new projects
Being selected for this award has increased my visibility as an artist — not only in the UK, but also internationally. While the exhibition was still ongoing, my work 'It seemed such a good idea' was sold to an art collector in London.
More and more art lovers and collectors are interested in work that is not only visually appealing, but also socially relevant.
I continue to work on paintings that touch on themes such as alienation, change and loss. To move people emotionally
Currently, several works are on display in my studio/gallery at Strijp-S in Eindhoven. Visitors are always welcome to come and see my Mixed Media artworks with texture, layering and emotional power up close. Each piece is exclusive art, not a reproduction, and carries its own story — an invitation to reflection
