ARTIST STATEMENT

I was purportedly educated by the finest professional minds at Oregon State University and the University of Oregon earning an M.F.A degree in Painting leading to a teaching career of 35 years at various colleges and a professional career of over 35 Solo exhibitions, over 125 Juried/Group shows; winning cash and purchase awards. His work is in many private and public collections including Microsoft and The Smithsonian.

Despite the best efforts of the educational institutions with which he was associated, Mr. Webb failed to absorb the proper regard for academic theory and compliance preferring instead to indulge his inner 14 year old’s sense of obstinacy and rebellion. Following the orthodoxy of any particular style or tradition was far less interesting than tuning in to an internal voice that suggested stream of consciousness development much like improvisation in Jazz and fully allowing the 14 year old to satirize the established order. Which inevitably left much opportunity for humor and absurdity.

All too often humor in art is condescended to or considered not as worthy as “serious” subject matter. It is hoped that the viewer will allow the absurdity in the work to trigger their fantasies and imaginations and perhaps create a story of their own or lacking that perhaps appreciate the colors, composition etc. Or just provoke a sense of wonderment.