People Are Water

People Are Water is about the way we relate to one another. For me, this work speaks about the space people need in order to truly be themselves. We can meet, support and experience one another deeply, but only when there is enough openness for each person to exist in their own way. The painting grew at the beginning of a new relationship, from a strong inner sense that even in love, we remain our own person. We can enrich one another and grow alongside each other, but not by trying to possess, steer or hold on too tightly. The moment love becomes cramped or controlling, it becomes harder for it to flow. That is why softness and space are so important in this work. An open hand allows movement. It allows another person to breathe, to flow and to flourish — while still being close. The title also connects to the song People Are Water. The poem that followed the painting expresses the same idea. An excerpt from the original Dutch poem: “Je mag mij ervarenJe mag mij – soms – dragenLaat mij gerust verdwalenMijn stroom die vindt zijn weg.” About the Water seriesPeople Are Water is the first work in the Water series, a series of five paintings about movement, relationship, surrender, emotion and the quiet presence beneath it all. The first four paintings were followed by original Dutch poems and brought together in the artist book Water – in beeld en woord.

From the artist’s description