Dagmara Weinberg is a Polish multimedia artist who uses photography to create graphic representations of patterns found in nature. Discover a Q&A with Dagmara, in which she speaks about her creative inspiration, her relationship to collections, and why she chose art as medium for environmental activism, below.
1. What sparked your mission to raise awareness through your art? Is there a particular moment or realization that inspired you to draw about subjects affected by climate change?
My artistic inspiration stems from my love of nature and my experiences with our natural world. Climate change is a big issue that remains unresolved on our planet. When I had a child nine years ago, I felt a renewed responsibility to share my passion for nature with others and raise awareness for her simple beauty. Something about having a child made me think a little more about the future of our earth, and how it will impact all of us. If I can share the beauty of our oceans, beaches, and sea life through my artwork, then I feel like I am helping bring attention to just how beautiful our world is.
2. How does your process begin and how long does it take you to complete an art piece?
There is a general process that I abide by, but the timeline for each piece depends on where I am and what I’m photographing. Each day brings new ideas and inspiration. I don’t know what my subject is going to be until I am in the moment, at the scene, taking photos. From there, I may look at hundreds of shots before I zoom in on the one image that captures the feeling I’m looking for in my final composition.
3. What is one of the most memorable experiences of your professional career as an artist and nature advocate?
It is always memorable to see how others react to, and study my work, but I was especially proud to be a part of Iris Danker’s Holiday House NYC, and Holiday House Hamptons events in 2014. The event was developed as a designer showcase to support the Breast Cancer Research fund and my artwork was featured as a part of celebrity interior designer, Campion Platt’s, designated room.
4. Where did your inspiration for your ‘seashells composition’, ‘water’ or ‘fish’ collection stem from?
Seashells, water and fish compositions bring back memories of wonderful times on spent on the beach with my family. As a nature lover, the patterns I’ve found within nature have always sparked my imagination and creativity.
5. What draws you to the oceans?
Our lives as human beings on this planet depend on the oceans. I am fascinated by all of the creatures that live in our oceans and seas. It doesn’t matter what season it is, whenever I’m near the water, I feel compelled to go towards it, to watch and listen to the waves crashing at my feet, and just experience being in the moment.
6. If you had one message to share, what would it be?
It is our responsibility to take care of our oceans, and everybody is capable of finding a small way to contribute. We all have a choice, whether we let things happen or make things happen – it’s our choice. If we do nothing about how our choices impact our oceans, then we aren’t even giving ourselves the chance to make the situation better. But, if more people get involved and make one small conscious effort, whether it be through water conservation or recycling efforts, then future generations will follow. I started raising awareness by creating art and I am fortunate to share its beauty from an artist’s point of view. There are so many different ways to make a difference in creating clean oceans for the future.
Find out more at www.dagmaraweinberg.com