Community & Collaboration
To me, collaboration starts with community.
Over the years, I've crafted unique pieces for renowned brands, hotels, and theatrical productions. I’ve become best known for combining colour, texture, and the Newfoundland tradition of craft in my artwork and design style. I believe it’s because of my dedication to my craft and can-do spirit that I have been a part of some incredible projects over the years.
If you're interested in collaborating with me on a special project, I'd be thrilled to hear from you.
Reach out to me via email at jessicawatermanart@gmail.com, or speak directly to someone in the studio by calling +1 709 743 4971
HGTV
Rock Solid Builds
Over the years, Rock Solid Builds had featured multiple of my wooden quilts, weavings and pillows in their fabulous renovations. In 2020, I was so touched that the HGTV show decided to feature me!
Being featured on Rock Solid Builds was an incredible opportunity for me to showcase my craftsmanship and creativity alongside Randy Spracklin and his talented team. Collaborating with them to showcase the kind of unique art pieces we build in Newfoundland was so much fun to do– especially since I’m usually the one behind the camera!
Fogo Island Inn
I had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of being a part of The Fogo Island Inn’s creative team. Working under the world-renown Zita Cobb and her handpicked crew of artists, architects and visionaries, I sourced textiles, wood and furniture and supported the Dreambox marketing campaign.
The miniature invitations I helped create to capture the vision of the Fogo Island Inn that were sent across the world to celebrities and changemakers. Looking back, I can only describe the years of working with the team of Fogo Island Inn as a foundational masterclass in design and creativity.
Mallard Cottage Inn
Been to Quidi Vidi? Then you may have stopped by the Mallard Cottage Inn and seen some of my work. From the bespoke quilts, to the door number sign, and large weavings in hallways, and a wooden quilt in the lounge. Working with the team at Mallard Cottage was an interior design dream come true.
Gander International Airport
In 2020, I was commissioned to reimagine and renovate the Gander International Lounge. My vision is to see a day where every visitor can leave with a piece of Newfoundland, crafted by the people who make this place so special.
For the project, I wanted to honour the mid-century modern architecture and furniture that gave the airport such an iconic look. To do so, I created a one-of-a-kind wallpaper with hand-drawn sketches, introducing a new boutique gift shop completed with a custom trimscape wall, and added an art gallery, cocktail bar, and boardroom to the iconic space.
Come From Away
It’s because of my work with the Gander Airport that the broadway production Come From Away reached out to me in 2022. Although the conversation started with the Airport and the iconic clock, it ended with me becoming the Community Design Coordinator for the production.
One of the projects I led was the Warm Embrace Project. I spent the weeks leading up to the premiere of the show in communities across the island, hosting crochet parties and collecting the granny squares and stories of those that remembered the days that inspired the musical. Of the hundreds of squares that were sent in, we created the backdrop that was featured on the set and additional decoration throughout the theatre.
Craft Council Mural
In 2017, the Newfoundland Craft Council was looking for artists to create a mural for Soloman’s lane. With my friends Krystle and Jovana, we worked for a week and painted the building and the stairs in one of my most joyous colour ways. Along with the bright colours, we installed colourful lights to light up the alleyway and radiate colour.
Taking on this project was in part to prove to myself that my career wasn’t going to slow down– it was just getting started! With the support of Krystle and Jovana, the mural at Soloman’s lane, I was able to beat a personal record– At around 40 feet it’s my largest quilt, yet.
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Film and TV
A carpenter by trade, I’ve completed degrees in Costume Design from Dalhousie University and Textile Design from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD) both located in Halifax, Nova Scotia. I’ve worked as a costume designer, props procurer, and art director for various productions including CBC television's Republic of Doyle, Netflix' "Frontier,"and NL Tourism award-winning marketing campaigns.
The Waterman Studio and Gallery
Most recently, I’ve finished building the Waterman Gallery and Studio. It was always a dream of mine to have a studio space of my own, and now, my dream studio has finally come to life!
I designed the space and worked with a drafter to finalize the architectural plans. I worked with my subcontractors to get the building weather tight and then completed the interior myself, taking my time to do custom finishes like my painted floor and custom doors. Working on the project from start-to-finish gave me so many ideas for new projects, I can't wait to get started on them with future collaborations.
For now, I can work here and enjoy the space I created. With six skylights and windows all around me, the studio is the perfect place to create artwork that truly lets the light in.