In the studio with… David Webb

How long have you been at APT?
Since 2003.

Describe APT in three words...
Valued, Valuable, Venerated

What is your practice and how do you like to work in your studio? 
I’m a painter, working in acrylic, ink, watercolour, and collage. I also draw and have recently developed some screenprints (off-site) monoprints and stained glass.

A day in the studio begins after the morning school run, until about 3 or 5.30pm. Twice a week I can usually do a longer day with an earlier start and later finish. Home and school are just 4 minutes walk away from APT and my part-time teaching job a 20 minute cycle ride. If this wasn't the case I'd find it nearly impossible to use my studio in the way that I do.

I work on several paintings at a time. I’m fairly catholic in my choices of source material / starting points, but many come from small monochrome notebook drawings (though I usually depart from them quickly with the painting making its own narrative). Recently I’ve focussed on my responses to the art, architecture and landscape of Cyprus, where I visit to make work fairly regularly.

In the studio I work for long periods without stopping. I work standing at a table and paint flat as I use thinned paint so want it to sit and pool. I love the privacy and quietness of my studio location - I have a beautiful balcony overlooking Deptford Creek - but sometimes listen to music or a football commentary

Which artists have influenced you?
Too many to mention. Lots of the big ones: Matisse, Braque, Klee. I also like Indian miniature painting and North American folk art. Closer to home, a few of the artists here at APT have influenced me immeasurably and I’ve been very grateful over the years for their friendship, dialogue and support.

Sadly I don’t see as many shows, or visit as many museums and collections as I’d like to, or have in the past. I tend to prioritise studio time. This is for numerous reasons and I hope it will change, particularly as my children get a bit older. Recently I did see and enjoy the John Hoyland at Hales Gallery and Michael Blake / Stephen Lewis in Ramsgate.

What is the most unusual thing someone might find in your studio?
Not especially unusual for someone with two small children - Lego, a pop-it fidget thing and assorted toy cars. I also have a small carefully curated collection of worthless but interesting ceramics, objects and fabric. I don’t usually use them directly to work from, but like having them around for their shapes, colours and kind of awkwardness. I buy them at Deptford market and during my short walk from home (our estate is fly-tipping central).


Scroll down for details of David’s up and coming show at Kapil Jariwala Gallery, London.