Joe Webb creates hand made collages with a message. Webb reimagines found imagery using simple and concise edits to make thought provoking artworks. He tackles issues such as the environment, war, inequality - and questions our place in the universe asking us to become more aware, conscious and content. Webb's work has become an online sensation with hundreds of thousands of people sharing his images on the internet.
We're so pleased to introduce an exclusive new print from Joe Webb, Planetary Folklore. Read on to find out about it's inspirations, and more about Joe Webb!
Planetary Folklore by Joe Webb
What was the inspiration behind Planetary Folklore?
The piece started life as a collage made with some vintage postcards I’d found online. Being in lockdown, I could only acquire new collaging material online, rather than searching the second hand and antique shops of Brighton as I usually do. I wanted the collage to have a feel of escape, the offset fuzziness of the print gives it a dreamy feel... like a distant hazy memory. During the printing process we added glitter to the limited edition, which enhances this dream-like feel and gives it a bit of a mysterious ethereal vibe. Lockdown has kind of felt like I just want to get away from Earth for a while until things get back to normal… Whatever normal is!
Do you see this work as a continuation of previous work or a series, or a new departure in your practice?
It’s a continuation, one work leads to the next. I like the work to react to the current situation in my life or generally world events - It’s more relevant and rewarding that way, and viewers hopefully can relate to the piece better too.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Coffee, bike ride, coffee, painting studio, lunch, collage at home studio, plan a new print, dinner, coffee, beer, repeat.
Which artists inspire you, or you admire?
Peter Diog, Rene Magritte, Edvard Munch, Anselm Keifer - their art transports me to another realm.
When did you know you wanted to pursue a life in art?
I saw a Peter Doig exhibition at the Saatchi years ago. I liked the way he was doing his own thing, not following trends - making these massive landscape paintings. It made me think, ‘I want to do this too’. I’d been to art school before then, but had lost my interest in art. The whole YBA conceptual art had put me off. Seeing traditional pictures on walls again made me realise you can do your own thing and make your own path.
Joe often takes inspiration from found materials, shown here part of this extensive book collection.
What is your earliest art memory?
Getting told off by a guard for touching a painting as a young kid!
What did it feel like when you sold your first artwork?
It was a feeling of validation, all of the years and years of developing ideas, failing, then trying again and again - once someone was willing to buy an artwork it helped me understand I was on the right track with the collages.
What’s your favourite creative work?
Painting and music.
What’s next?
Larger paintings. More prints. I’m using the lockdown as a chance to develop new works at a more natural, less hectic pace.
