Natalie Webb is a London-based ambidextrous artist. Originally from a fashion design and printed textiles background, she spent over 17 years as a design and production manager in the fashion industry working across all elements of the business.
During this time, she travelled the world extensively, liaising with factories, supervising design teams, sourcing new materials and visiting clients. This fast pace of work was reflected in her quick, two-handed sketches as she strived to capture the fast pace of life around her. Combining this with her obsession for colour ignited her evolution from fashion designer to artist.
In the fast-changing times of the 1990s, before the ubiquitous smartphone, Natalie always liked to re-invent the mundane by recycling objects that were soon to be obsolete: handbags and accessories were made of radios, and jewellery out of the circuitry inside. Breast pieces and holsters were made from crocheted primary colour telephone wires.
With Natalie’s background, it’s no surprise her wearable sculpture has formed part of her art practice, often resulting in photographs or short films that she calls ‘Art Capers’. Her latest wearable sculpture, ‘Umbrella Dress’, is made solely of umbrellas.
These ‘Art capers’ have now become the inspiration for her paintings, which are colourful and have a strong sense of movement. She often creates art live at events, working quickly with two hands simultaneously, embracing the unpredictability and its effects on a finished artwork.
Some of Natalie’s art and wearable sculptures can be seen in her latest exhibition, It’s a Colourful Life, where she will be running three art workshops during its two-month run.
Check out the website or Instagram for booking.
Website: www.loft35art.com
Instagram: @nataliewebbartist
Deli Felice, 40 Albion Street, Rotherhithe, SE16 7JQ until 25th November
