On May 20, 2025, my partner Judith and I finally saw the documentary Ocean by David Attenborough at Gigant in Apeldoorn. We had been wanting to watch this film for a long time, each for our own reasons. Mine? I’m deeply in love with the sea. The colors. The tides. The calm, the chaos. The hidden life beneath the surface. I’ve always felt drawn to the ocean’s mystery, staring out at the horizon and imagining what lies beyond. It is a great inspiration source for my work as an artist.
The film left a deep impression on me. Not only because of the breathtaking cinematography showcasing vibrant marine life, but more so because of the devastating impact humans have on our oceans. Large-scale trawling vessels legally scrape the ocean floor, destroying underwater ecosystems in a single sweep. For what? A few commercially viable shells, while up to 75% of the catch is discarded as waste.
Even worse, this deep-sea destruction releases massive amounts of CO₂, significantly accelerating climate change.
The Ocean’s Hidden Power
What struck me most? A healthy ocean is our strongest ally in the fight against climate change. Recent discoveries show that ocean organisms like plankton absorb more CO₂ than the forests on land. Even better: the ocean is incredibly resilient. When left alone, marine ecosystems can fully regenerate in as little as five years.
Protecting just one-third of our oceans could lead to a powerful rebound of biodiversity, one that heals not only the sea but our entire planet.
A Personal Dream: Bucket List Moments
One day, I hope to fulfill a long-held dream: to see the gentle giants of the ocean up close. To swim alongside whales. To witness the ethereal migration of manta rays. To experience the majestic coral reefs in their full, colorful glory.
Taking Action: 2.5% for the Ocean
In 2024, I planned to contribute to global reforestation efforts by donating a portion of each sale. But that project never fully took off. Yesterday, while watching Ocean, I had a moment of clarity: my mission lies beneath the surface, within the ocean’s jungles.
Starting now, I will donate 2.5% of every artwork I sell to the 10% for the Ocean fund. As both an artist and entrepreneur, I feel this is the right way to contribute to protecting our planet’s most vital and beautiful resource: our oceans.
Conclusion: A Must-See Film
If you get the chance, watch Ocean by David Attenborough. I promise it will move you perhaps even change you. Thank you David Attenborouhg!
Are you looking for artwork inspired by the raw beauty of nature?
Browse my collection or visit my studio in Apeldoorn (by appointment) and discover how abstract art can connect you to the world we must protect.