Simone Webb's work demonstrates a delicate melancholy organic time. Flora and fauna bloom and decay in painterly gestures, arrangements of petals float seamlessly in placid space. A desire for a fluid discourse between solid and gaseous forms manifest in flowers dissected with a blurring of focus. Insect and plant relations play out a perceived cycle of orchestrated pollination, horticultural worship by synchronised arthropods lay in a creeping mandala.
Limited edition prints and originals juxtapose the beautiful with the morbid, offering euphoric moments emerging from stark backgrounds graced with fragile flowers to instances of despondency, often dark in appearance, yet remaining equitably as elegant. Whilst we often only get to view a fleeting moment of nature, she aims to create something of more permanence that can be observed at any given time. Fusing the past, present, and the ambiguous future of these together highlights the beauty alongside the mundanity that occurs throughout their natural life circle.
1) Which art movement do you consider most influential on your practice?
The Rococo movement - I can't get enough of it.
2) Where do you go and when to make your best art?
I work best when I'm in my studio with everything I could want and need. If I'm feeling a bit stuck or in need of some inspiration or fresh ideas, I like to visit stately homes and botanical gardens.
3) How do you describe your 'creative process'?
It really depends on the piece but there's usually a lot of back and forth with colour decisions. There have been many times when I have done a complete U-turn just as I thought a piece was finished.
4) Which artist, living or deceased, is the greatest inspiration to you?
I love the works of Jacob van Walscapelle and James Jean.
5) If you weren't an artist, what would you do?
I'm not really sure, I've always wanted to be an artist for as long as I can remember. Probably something creative, though.
6) What do you listen to for inspiration?
I often listen to music, anything from acoustic to metal depending on what mood I'm in. I also listen to a lot of true crime podcasts, I don't think I would call them inspiring, though - I don't think that would be a good sign!
7) If you could own one artwork, and money was no object, which piece would you acquire?
Liber Novus by James Jean.
8) If your dream museum or collection owner came calling, which would it be?
I've never really thought about that. I'm just happy to have the collectors I already do. It means a lot that people want to invest in my work.
9) What is your key piece of advice for artists embarking on a fine art or creative degree today?
Work hard, no one's going to do it for you.
10) What is your favourite book of all time (fiction or non-fiction)?
I can't think of one off the top of my head but I really enjoyed The Kite Runner and The Painted Man series.
11) If you could hang or place your artwork in one non-traditional art setting, where would that be?
I would love to create or be involved in the creation of a window display, I think that would be a new and exciting process and way to see my work displayed.
12) What was the biggest lesson your university course or time studying taught you?
That if you really do want something, you can achieve it.
13) And finally, if we were to fast forward 10 years, where would we find you?
Still making plenty of art but in a much larger studio, hopefully.
