Waterman by Catherine Jansens (Born in 1949)

"Waterman" by Catherine Jansens is a still life that captures a quiet, introspective moment centered around a small, hexagonal ink bottle—a "Waterman," referring to the iconic brand known for its writing instruments. The ink bottle sits prominently in the foreground, its glass facets catching and reflecting light in a manner that draws the viewer's eye. Positioned behind it is a folded piece of paper, slightly yellowed with age and bearing faint handwriting, suggesting a letter or note from the past. The objects rest on a simple wooden surface, and the entire composition is enveloped in a deep shadow, with a focused beam of light illuminating the central elements.
Jansens utilizes a subdued color palette dominated by sepia and warm, earthy tones. This choice not only enhances the nostalgic feel of the work but also pays homage to the vintage nature of the "Waterman" ink bottle itself. The watercolor technique, which Jansens has mastered following her transition from oil painting due to an allergy, allows for a soft, almost ethereal rendering of light and shadow. The precision in the depiction of the glass bottle and the subtle textures of the paper reflect Jansens' background in hyperrealism, while the watercolor medium adds a layer of fragility and impermanence, echoing the transient nature of memory.
"Waterman" is emblematic of Jansens' ongoing exploration of memory, time, and the significance of personal artifacts. The ink bottle, a tool for writing and communication, serves as a powerful symbol of the past—of letters written, thoughts captured, and moments preserved. The use of such a specific, recognizable object as the "Waterman" ink bottle roots the composition in a particular era, inviting the viewer to consider the history and stories behind it. The inclusion of handwritten text on the paper further deepens this narrative, suggesting a connection to personal history, possibly linked to Jansens' own memories of rediscovered objects from her childhood home.
"Waterman" by Catherine Jansens is a poignant example of how the artist blends technical mastery with deep emotional resonance. The composition, focused on a simple yet symbolically rich object, invites the viewer to reflect on the passage of time and the memories we attach to everyday items. Through her expert use of light, shadow, and color, Jansens creates a work that is both a tribute to the past and a meditation on the impermanence of life. The "Waterman" ink bottle at the heart of the composition serves as a powerful reminder of the stories and histories that everyday objects can hold, making this piece a significant contribution to her body of work.

Biography

Catherine Jansens, born in 1949 in Marcq-en-Barœul, France, is a painter whose journey through the artistic landscape reflects both personal and technical evolution. Initially trained in graphic arts and fine arts at the École des Beaux-Arts in Lille, she began her career as a hyperrealist painter, working with oil on canvas. Her early works were characterized by meticulous detail, capturing the essence of reality with an almost photographic precision. However, an allergy to oil paints forced her to abandon this medium, leading to a significant shift in her artistic approach.
Undeterred by this challenge, Jansens transitioned to the aquarelle (watercolor) technique, bringing with her the precision and realism that had defined her oil paintings. This new medium allowed her to continue exploring the delicate interplay of light and shadow, now rendered with the soft, translucent quality that watercolors afford. Jansens also adopted the use of the camera obscura, an optical device that has been used by artists for centuries to project an image onto a surface, which she then meticulously traces or references. This technique enables her to maintain the ultra-realistic detail that has become a hallmark of her work.
Jansens' art is deeply personal, often centered around "found objects" that she rediscovered in the attic of her parental home following her mother’s death. These objects, remembered from her youth, serve as poignant reminders of the passage of time and the act of remembering. Through her still lifes, Jansens transforms these everyday items into vessels of memory, laden with emotional significance. Her compositions, whether depicting a model airplane resting on a navigation map or a globe placed beside a historical chart, invite viewers to contemplate the transient nature of life and the enduring power of memory.
Her artistic output has been widely recognized in exhibitions across France, Belgium, and Switzerland. Notable solo exhibitions include those at Galerie Varnier in Paris, Galerie Michel Voakaer in Brussels, and Gallery Sergiane Cauwel in Lille. Her work is held in prestigious public collections such as the FRAC de Picardie, the Conseil Général du Nord, and the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Lille, cementing her legacy as a significant figure in contemporary art.
Currently residing in the Eastern Pyrenees, Jansens continues to draw inspiration from the natural beauty of her surroundings, while her work remains rooted in the themes of memory, time, and the emotional resonance of the objects she paints. Her ability to convey these themes with technical brilliance and emotional depth ensures that her art resonates with a wide audience, making her a lasting and influential presence in the art world.