Robert Bateman - Not a Pretty Picture

[@LUCKYLOONIE]

Bateman was not defacing the original, he was defacing a reference copy valued at around $1,950. The Star reports: "Bateman afterward rushed into the shower with the print to wash the paint off so as not to compromise the print."

[@joe579003]

For the 20+ years I lived in my parents home, I wondered why every square inch of wall was covered by framed bateman prints. Now I know, dude is a badass.

[@dharmabeauty]

Powerful message, thanks Robert and thanks Dogwood.

[@charlescampbellart]

Thanks for doing this Robert. It really brings it home.

[@bjoque]

uh oh Robert, I hope that isn't OIL PAINT on all of your canvasses!

[@Yorkke]

Love you Robert (and it was an honor to meet you) ...many thanks for your environmental works and humanitarianism. :))

[@animalactivist]

Kudos to Robert Bateman...a Canadian icon who advocates tirelessly for the protection of what we all hold precious... Whether or not the image destroyed in this video is an 'original' or not, is irrelevant. The metaphor illustrates beautifully what we all have to loose. Tomorrow it may indeed be the 'real original' -isn't that the point? Pristine nature- the real original- is priceless and irreplacable.

[@morleyw]

If you don't react, or aren't moved by the work, then is it really art? Mr. Bateman thanks for taking the next step as an artist, and I can't wait to see more of your future work.

[@GenevaManfred]

...and a full inquiry would make it all OK again. How nice.

[@treesrwe]

Hey, All-A few words in favor of perspective on Bateman's brilliance here: The importance of his statement is 1 He's an artist, which means his art is an expression of his experience 2 He's aware of the power of his art to impact the world, AND that means he's NOT a narcissistic artist, typical of this self-destructive culture 3 He's also aware of the power of his celebrity as a tool--He's brilliantly using the media as a propaganda tool, just as it's used against us, and the world MORE!!

[@charlescampbellart]

Kudos to Robert for getting out in front and doing this. Read the comments on the notankers site and you get a much better idea of how this video is moving people to protect the coast they hold dear.

[@dogloverjb6873]

We need another million men like him preserving this planet. strong message...

[@agrothe]

@ bowlingballout, Good thought really. While I signed the petition and agree with the no tanker route, It's isn't enough to just protest the tanker route, but as citizens we need to suggest alternate energy methods. For example, the new Hydro Electricity plant in Labrador. We should petition the Government to put money into that project to keep the tankers off the water. Not just BC, but all Canadian waters. To many people protest the ban and don't petition for the good.

[@leemcbride2020]

1) It was not a 'reject.' 2) He didn't post here to find out whether you like or dislike his art - it's his gesture that holds importance. I heard Mr. Bateman tonight on CBC radio. The work is a print, not an original, and the reasoning behind that was he would have received no more attention for an original than for a print. Finally, I want to say I agree with that, as why destroy original beauty in order to protest the destruction of original beauty? I commend him for using his voice.

[@bobshwd65]

Ya no one wants to see a oil spile but,what is that paint made of?And how does he move his pictures around the world?What does he drive?

[@henrygreen19]

You are making the point powerfully! Who will listen? There is a saying in Namibia that if we do not act now, our children will "have hungry eyes"! Your point exactly. Best.

[@boggywoman]

I am unsure if this is an original - but Bateman is as genuine a person as you could ever meet. I dont think he would hesitate a moment to destroy any of his originals if he thought it could make a difference in protecting wild places. Why he would do it - because art is a very personal thing. When an artist creates, they bring forth - its labor and birth. But they can also take away. Many artists will destroy thier own artwork- artists put thier souls, thier hopes and fears - on canvas.

[@ericheretoday]

Bravo Mr. Bateman

[@llennn]

at the lowest tide in Douglas channel a tanker would still have about 5 to 8 feet of under water clearance, this is plenty of room. Transport Canada has very competent people they're not just a bunch of bureaucrats but ex ship Captains. And if any thing did happen the NTSB would have a full inquiry just like BC Ferries Queen of the North.

[@drumweaver]

thank you for this mr. bateman..... very much!

[@DogwoodBC]

19 years after the Exxon Valdez disaster they are still feeling the effects. Sea otters have yet to come back to many of the bays fouled by the oil spill because of contaminated shellfish. The spill destroyed the herring fishery. The big problem isn't when the oil is on water, its when it hits land. No inquiry can fix the damage once it's done. Exxon has yet to pay for the damage they have done.

[@kirkygirl]

I'm unfortunetly (sp) stuck in the middle of this debate. My father works in the marine industry, but he has taught me the meaning of why the environment is so important. It is important for thetransportation industry to travel into BC waters, but there is also a great need to design and create better ships, modes of transportation, and other alternatives such that both the environment and the economy can survive.

[@isabellegauthier1254]

13 years later...did they allow tanker traffic on the west coast of Canada? Anyone knows?

[@DogwoodBC]

We won! The Gitxaala Nation and allies stopped the Enbridge Northern Gateway oil tanker project in court. In 2019 the House of Commons made it official with a legislated ban on large oil tankers on the North Coast of B.C.

[@isabellegauthier1254]

@@DogwoodBC wow, that's fabulous 😁❤️👍

[@Ioannis339]

Very graphic but true. It should be publicized worldwide.

[@llennn]

at the lowest tide in Douglas channel a tanker would still have about 5 to 8 feet of under water clearance, this is plenty of room. Transport Canada has very competent people they're not just a bunch of bureaucrats but ex ship Captains. And if any thing did happen the NTSB would have a full inquiry just like BC Ferries Queen of the North. Oil is a very natural substance, so I dont see the big deal, besides it floats on water.

[@tubette1]

It's amazing how hateful people can be when they disagree with a person. (and noone knows their identity)Bravo to Robert for speaking out on what he believes in.

[@grammalo6]

omg this is SOO powerful..thank you

[@baNaNaMaN6]

Whoa!

[@Norbertmolina]

Robert Bateman is one of my favourite painters... Did he really ruined the original picture ?

[@charlescampbellart]

The Exxon Valdez Oil spill doesn't even make the top ten largest spills. It sits down at number 34.

[@leemcbride2020]

I'm astounded at how many people have made the issue the value of the print. Um - do any of you critics out there have a better way he could have highlighted the ACTUAL problem of the tankers without destroying an original? I think the point has been made, and he made it wonderfully. Too bad that the issue has been eclipsed here by such a trivial detail.

[@bowlingballout]

If that's true, there is no account for taste. Just cool signatures on a canvass.

[@charlescampbellart]

A little info on Exxon Valdez spill. Thousands of animals died immediately -250,000 to 500,000 seabirds, at least 1,000 sea otters, 300 harbor seals, 250 bald eagles, and 22 orcas, as well as the destruction of billions of salmon and herring eggs. The effects of the spill continue to be felt today. Pink salmon populations show stunted growth and sea otters and ducks show higher death rates.

[@morleyw]

Destruction isn't always pretty, but how often do most people notice the subtle beauty that surrounds them in their natural state... Robert finally took the next step as an artist, however there should have been no voice over. All the talking ruins this video, the visual, and the real brilliance of destructive beauty. Great art should always provoke your mind, and cause some reaction.

[@GregBleee]

The more we spend on oil infrastructure the harder it will be to kick the habit. The oil sands are bad news in every way, and I don't want my province to be part of that system. A whole-hearted THUMBS DOWN to tanker traffic anywhere along the BC coast! It's time to say no, people.

[@bowlingballout]

I'm four square against pollution. That said, Bob, you appear to be using lots of oil to keep your lifestyle going. I bet you could afford $500 per barrel. What about the rest of us shclubs? Can we have nice houses too? Affordable food and other niceties that go with our modern society? Are you suggesting nuclear instead of oil? You paint a pretty picture but I'm not willing to stop consuming energy - are you? Lead by example my friend. Ruining a painting is action enough.

[@bowlingballout]

I really had no intentions to have an argument. I just thought we should give some consideration to our energy needs if we stop using oil. I can only imagine how difficult life is going to be, once gas prices feach $4 and $5 per gallon. Everything is getting more and more expensive. That's all. I like the planet, I had no idea that my questions were going to lead to being pummeled.

[@rfish54]

Oil Tankers are definately dangerous plying the coastal waters of the harsh coastline of British Columbia. Mr Bateman illustrates very clearly the diasterous effects to this pristine coast should only one of these vessels accidentally spill its contents. We all have limits on our daily living, and some of them are for safety. For safety's sake, let us not allow Oil Tankers to travel the coastline of British Columbia. If we can restrict smokers, I am sure we can restrict Oil Tankers.

[@theredcrickets]

Try making the transport of the oil safer, Train the people better, Set up a emergence spill system that works. Do this as you will not stop the transport of the oil in BC waters no mater who you are. Just not that easy

[@charlescampbellart]

The point isn't to destroy something beautiful, it's to bring home the consequences of an oil spill on the BC coast.

[@joe579003]

@LUCKYLOONIE The Star, real bastion of journalistic integrity there.

[@llennn]

The print was a reject that could not be sold to the general public, basically it was only good for toilet paper. Nice lie Bob

[@aloue100]

lol he comes to my school every day lol!

[@Fishywishy159]

OMG!!! why did he do that

[@Yorkke]

I am sure it was only a print....duh :((

[@agrothe]

@ TheDrollPedant While Robert has very good points, so does bowlingballout. Have an open enough mind to see more than one side of the coin.

[@mainemce]

Timely and poignant: the fact is that with tanker traffic along BC's central-north coast, eventually there would be an accident, and who would suffer and pay for it? Marine life disfigured and killed by it, terrestrial life harmed through interconnectivity with marine ecosystems, and the public, through resources wasted in clean-up and irrevocably destroyed in the spill. Tankers out!

[@meagain2222]

well there is little doubt that Robert is correct. We certainly don't need tankers. We should keep the oil in Canada and stop thinking of short term economic gains.Imagine how valuable this oil will be when Saudi Arabia runs out.Lets keep for then.

[@carcultured]

And..... what are we using that oil for????? Do we really need it??? What"s your share of it??

[@bowlingballout]

I'm not sure if I'm a coward, but I do have a busy schedule. Good day now, I will go in peace, I hope the same for you.

[@bowlingballout]

Really? Hateful? I thought the questions were fair, but it is far easier for you to just cast your aspersions than to give thought to my points. If I'm misguided, then point it out. Labeling someone as "hateful" because of an assertion that is made is specious and sophomoric at best. However, that is what these YT comments sections are nine times out of ten. BTW My name is all over my channel.

[@jetsonjoe]

okay....a "Print" here is not a physically made print...but a very high quality photo mechanical "reproduction" that is in reality worth no more than ...maybe a few hundred, for the time and quality of inks and paper. Saying it is worth $1950.00 is bogus as it is an elevated scheme to apply value to something equivalent to a high quality photocopy...maybe on a photo based paper. He is an excellent painter, however the print scam is criminal and a lie. Buy originals.

[@suestroud]

We're fighting the tankers, we're fighting raw log exports, we're changing our footprints and participating in earth hour and earth day activities. We are working hard to save the Sacred headwaters of the Stikine. Now we need to change the way we vote. Anyone voting Liberal or Conservative simply doesn't get it. They are funded by corporations (massively). If you care you will never vote for them again. And run! I'm running this fall in my municipal election. Run and make a difference!

[@DogwoodBC]

I hear all sorts of attacks on Robert Bateman but still can't find a reason to justify putting our coast at risk to sell Alberta oil to Asia. Why is it when people make an effort to solve one problem their entire life is put on trial -- even when all the evidence is speculative. For those so concerned about our future oil supply, how does digging it out of the ground as quickly as possible and shipping it to China protect our interests?

[@USCBeastmode]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! OMG!!

[@Robnoxious69]

Super-natural B.C needs to stay Super-natural No Tankers Please !!!

[@DjShahriar]

wow i go to robert bate man public school

[@leemcbride2020]

A numbered print would be several hundred...a limited edition print in the thousands. To destroy an original would be to destroy beauty in order to protect it, which is defeatist. He is making a *statement.* What can't be understood about that?

[@llennn]

Ya.go Enbridge Inc....The Northern gateway..ya. We need tankers in Kitamat. This is needed to feed the ferry running back and forth to let Bob have his coffee. Bob needs all the oil and all the fresh drinking water for himself. Everyone else gets nothing. Its only for King bob, so he can keep his junk coming.

[@iluvblueberrymuffin]

wow why did he put black paint or whatever on some beautiful painting? i mean he could of gave it to me instead of ruining it into BLACK!!! my teacher loves robert bateman she talks about her alot like every day i like robert bateman's paintings very MUCH!!!

[@bowlingballout]

Look at the room he's standing in. No, I am amused that you are overlooking the more obvious point. Oil is the mother's milk of our entire civilization (a fact I do not like but am able/willing to recognize). Plus he's from Canada, is there a single Canadian home that does not use some means of heat in the winter? That heat is from some fossil fuel. There is no way, or reason, to have a "good" argument in the comments section on a YT video. It's impossible.

[@leemcbride2020]

What in the world could you know about Mr. Bateman's consumption? I can't get over how many people are either missing the point or abjectly ignoring it in order to posit irrelevant and distracting arguments.

[@LTD.Edition]

Refine and sell the oil DOMESTICALLY! We have enough oil in Canada that it should cost us PENNIES for gas. Even in Libya it's less than 10c per ltr

[@PlayIt4MeAgainSam]

Well, it WAS a beautiful picture of yours Robert, until you did that!!

[@loconet]

Still worth at least $1,000

[@wildsmooth9201]

Ironic that the very tools, paint and thinners he uses is also part of the problem.

[@alexanderlove5550]

Why would he ruin such a great painting.

[@leemcbride2020]

From Ilennn :"Ha Ha, Cat Stevens is a loser too. Batman requires more oil than anyone person in BC. If he lead by doing, instead of using so much oil, such as, him asking BC ferries to run on odd days, which would actually cut pollution. Not what he is saying here which is to say, do as I say, not as I do." Ilennn, I don't know much about "Batman's" consumption, nor do you. Nor do I trust the ramblings of someone who marked off Roxette as a favourite. Go watch some cartoons or something.

[@brassflower]

...Or you can decide today that you will do whatever you can to limit the size of your carbon foot print. To have you tell it we should just give up on the idea - who's really the sheep here?

[@llennn]

reality bites........ToyotaBoy..all the way from Japan, by ship, made from orr shipped from Canada via cargo ship to Japan, orr refined by coal shipped from Canada to Japan via fossel fuel, these ships supplied by tankers, full of Alberta crude........who got the info from Jerry...........you mean you got yours from Bobby Boy Bateman......HA HA

[@JoshuaFVrooman]

@RobotPart You're a sad person...

[@oitiborticus]

TheDrollPedant: and you, sir, need to learn how to carry on meaningful, constructive dialogue. bowlingballout had some interesting comments and you became arrogant and aggressive. tubette1 said earlier "It's amazing how hateful people can be when they disagree with a person." Well, you certainly exemplify that statement. I'm sure you also have some viable arguements to make, just try not to be so churlish when you present them. Shame on the rest of you for validating TDP's style of debate.

[@leemcbride2020]

So are you arguing that Bateman is one of the worst perpetrators of pollution that kills animals, or for the tankers & ferries? Your arguments are completely unfocused. Calling me a loser does nothing to support your lack of a coherent argument. Try writing in full sentences and addressing specific problems with what Bateman is/was attempting to do here. Obviously you think him a hypocite on some level, but I honestly can't understand what you're actually attempting to say.

[@420homegrown420]

Because what you are saying is B.C. is too beautiful for oil so we should ship/pump it thorough other communities. That is an incredible elitist opinion of your province. If oil is So evil like you claim then take a principled stance and stop using it completely. I bet not one of you propaganda pushers ever stopped to think of the high paying jobs created for low skilled people around the world that otherwise would be stuck working at close to minimum wage. Alberta Oil Sands is just one example.

[@treesrwe]

Hey, All-A few words in favor of perspective on Bateman's brilliance here: The importance of his statement is 1 He's an artist, which means his art is an expression of his experience 2 He's aware of the power of his art to impact the world, AND that means he's NOT a narcissistic artist, typical of this self-destructive culture 3 He's also aware of the power of his celebrity as a tool--He's brilliantly using the media as a propaganda tool, just as it's used against us, and the world MORE!!