Last week we launched Rebekah Webb as the latest artist to join Well + Wonder and were overwhelmed by the support for her debut collection "Familia". Inspired by vintage portraiture, Rebekah's Familia collection is reminiscent of family portraits passed down from one generation to the next. When asked what inspired her work, Rebekah replied, "I wanted to capture the tender moments shared between mother and child. The portraits in this series pay homage to all the different women who play a role in shaping our lives." Rebekah is a Mobile, AL native who is lucky enough to raise her own children in her charming hometown and we couldn't be more thrilled that she has joined the collective. Learn a bit more about Rebekah by reading her answers to our rapid-fire questions for our new artist "get-to-know-you" Pardon Me interview. Welcome to the team, Rebekah!
What is currently on your nightstand?
A glass of water, handmade notes from my children and several books that I am perpetually two-thirds of the way through.
Who is your biggest influence as an artist and why?
My children and their ability to create uninhibited and boldly. I am also forever grateful for the encouragement and guidance of my high school art teachers, college professors, and mentors.
A few of my favorite visual artists are Tina Bering, Lisa Golightly, Amanda Talley, Sally Mann, David Hockney and of course, DaVinci, Picasso, and Warhol.
Tell us about your childhood. What is the most memorable moment as a young person?
I grew up on the Alabama Gulf Coast, the third child of six children. My father is an antique dealer, and from a very early age, I was his sidekick at his shop, estate sales, and auctions. During that time, I was exposed to so many facets of art, design, and business.
One of my earliest memories is placing my drawings on the piano and having art shows for my family. There is an infamous story about me at age three drawing on every panel of antique wainscot in our home, not once but twice. For as long as I can remember, I have been interested in all things design, interior design, architectural, photography and observing people and nature.
If you could only have one supply in your art studio, what would it be and why?
A set of pencils. It’s simple, but for me, it all starts with writing out an idea and making those initial marks on paper or canvas.
What is your favorite room in your house? Describe it.
My living room. It is filled with all of my favorite things - oversized coffee table books, family photos, paintings, a record player, a large fiddle leaf and a Bruce Larsen sculpture I commissioned for my husband. It sounds cluttered, but everything has a place.
What is your biggest score online?
I recently purchased two paintings by Jenny Prinn that hang happily together in our kitchen. Her work has been on my wishlist since we were in an Atlanta show together last summer.
What is the benefit of buying art through a collective? What do you recommend for those that are new to buying original art?
Selection. Investing in art is oftentimes an overwhelming task. A collective eliminates the guesswork. Knowing you are buying from a thoughtfully curated collection should ease the anxiety of making the right choice.
Start small. Buy what appeals to you - art is about connection and feeding your soul. I have been introduced to so many talented artists through collectives.
If you have the entire day to spend in an art museum, which one and why?
I love the Picasso Museum in Paris - such a comprehensive collection. It’s incredible to see the progression and evolution of his work in one space and how prolific he truly was.
What is your favorite hotel and what makes it special?
The Grand Hotel located in Point Clear, AL. It’s a historical landmark overlooking Mobile Bay and the epitome of Southern hospitality and luxury. As a child, I remember going to tea time, riding bicycles along the boardwalk and sneaking into the pool as a preteen. As an adult, its sipping triple berry mojitos at the Birdcage, celebrating holidays and life’s milestones with loved ones and running into out of town friends.
If you were a lipstick color would you be red, pink, or clear and why?
Pink, if I can ever locate it but usually clear lip balm. I am no-frills when it comes to makeup.
I can never get on a plane without….
Lots of magazines - the best selection is at the airport.
How did you get into the world of art?
I think I was always aware that I would do something creative. I don’t recall a time when I wasn’t drawing, designing or creating something - it’s instinctive for me. As I grow older, I realize its anomaly to have had so much support to pursue my creative passions.
What do you do to relax?
Is it bad to say I don’t or not often enough? Maybe it’s the season of life I am in… I do get to a point where I retreat and hunker down to reset. I try to walk regularly, read and listen to music and podcasts.
When do you get the biggest surge of inspiration?
I create in spurts. Even though I may not be in the studio every day, I am always absorbing and taking in my surroundings. I like to mix it up, travel, visit museums, eat good food and change the scenery…
Prediction for the Color of 2020?
Some shade of blue, I hope.
What is your idea of a date night? Dinner and a movie or dancing all night?
Our best dates are on the sofa with a great bottle of wine and music playing in the background.
Tell us about your favorite painting that you have created.
It’s a monochromatic jellyfish painting titled “Weightless.” I didn’t have a plan and let myself do something I haven’t tried before. I love color and I abandoned it completely. The result was overwhelming to me.
One piece of advice for buying original art?
I challenge you to embrace your own taste. Buy that painting that you can’t stop thinking about, rather than the one that works for a particular room. You will never tire of something that speaks to you. I decorate rooms around artwork, I pick the colors and patterns inspired by those in the paintings.
