Follow tomjeanwebb
Shop Tom Jean Webb
What is the heart of your brand?
I think at the heart is a keen intent to have fun with the work, to remember to enjoy it. I have found when I’m open to fun and excitement in creation then I make my best work. To keep a sense of naivety and play helps keep me honest and intuitive.
How long have you been creating, and what motivated you to pursue artistic expression as a career? What is the base of your creative process like, and does it differ between outlets or various forms of expression?
I grew up in a house that was always creative, so it’s been natural to make ‘things.’ We always learnt how to create for ourselves, so the idea of pursuing art was quite natural, I realized quite quickly it was less of a decision but more of instinctive thing that continued to happen. In terms of differing approaches, one of the greatest lessons I have learnt in terms of creating, is to work with others, being open to collaborate and learn has been really fulfilling and evolved myself as an artist. I think it’s important to challenge oneself, to push how your art can be stretched or moved in new ways, to step outside the comfort of a canvas.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
There is an innate desire to make work that’s internal and to some degree indescribable beyond the joy it brings. Within the work, when I look and reflect, I see a desire for space, a searching for physical, emotional, and mental space. I grew up craving the vast landscapes of the American southwest. I drew a romantic version to place myself in, doing so took me there in reality and now I’m continuing my story in that space. I try to reflect that sense of freedom in the way I put my artworks together, to allow viewers in and navigate the space to create their own story and have room for an emotional reaction.
What materials are you using to create your art?
When painting I primarily use acrylic paint, I like how quick it is to use, I like to work fast so I can see results and respond to my ideas. With my sculptural work I tend to mix natural materials with readymade objects. I enjoy playing with that relationship, especially objects that are made from natural materials like steel or glass. It feels like I am taking elements from my paintings, using those principals to create sculptures to speak the same language. At the moment, I’m using large slates of rock, painting them like the rocks in my paintings but rather than having them laid down I’m using C clamps to stand them up to ‘display.’ Solving problems of my own creation.
What makes your art sustainable?
My work is driven by a beauty in nature and a specific landscape, so I try to use materials that talk of that. Because of this, more readymade objects that contain plastics and unsustainable materials do not fit. I hope as much as anything my work helps spread a joy of nature and the vast landscapes we need to protect. To remind we are connected directly to it, that we are it and in looking after it we are looking after ourselves.
When collaborating with brands I pick companies that have a healthy relationship with sustainable creativity. I also tend to lean towards creating hand made one offs so production is low.
How has been staying true to your own vision contributed to your success? – Are there any downsides in doing so?
I think in all forms of creativity and art it is only truly successful if it is done when connected honestly to the maker. In doing so it contains something truly unique to that person, it can be felt by those that experience it. We are all playing with the same tools and materials, what makes something unique is the way they are used. You cannot pretend to be yourself; you can only be yourself, that’s when good art is made. I have found the more I remain open to learn about myself, the more I find what I’m looking for in my art. It’s a symbiotic journey. I also feel that people have connected to it more through this process, I’m allowing people into the work and the journey, which has been truly rewarding, so no downsides yet.
As an artist do you feel any responsibility for creating awareness for our current environmental issues?
I don’t feel it’s the immediate narrative, but I do hope I’m talking the same story but from a different angle. I’m finding continued love and joy in painting and exploring the Southwest, in doing so I feel more connected to it. I hope this might inspire others to seek connection to their landscapes and a desire to protect it.
How does nature inspire your work?
It reminds me I’m real, that moments are real, that air is real, that senses are real. It calms and inspires. The vast honesty is beautiful and humbling.
What’s your relationship to nature?
We are nature. We are connected to nature in a real way. My own objective is to try evolving that as much as I can, to unlearn some of the lessons we are taught to disconnect, that we somehow own nature or it exists for us. I want to make work that projects the feelings that walking and touching nature gives me.
Do you believe in the future of humanity?
Absolutely. There’s lots of evidence to show me I should. Specifically, in regards to our planet I think attitudes are changing for the better. I believe that there is a desire to create a better relationship to our planet, to look after and respect it and that each new generation can push that idea further along.
What are some easy steps you can do to live a more sustainable & conscious lifestyle?
I’m not sure to be honest, I would like to improve. I think for me it’s at least thinking about the subject, there’s much I need to change. Hopefully the more I contemplate the subject, the more I can understand how to make personal changes.
What are you most proud of?
Trying to create something I love, both in the doing and the end result. That that is the leading force in what I do and everything else is a bonus. That my work can communicate with someone, that they respond to it and let me know. It always means a lot when people reach out to show my work hanging in their spaces and let me know how it makes them feel.
What are your hopes for the future?
To carry on enjoying what I create and try push myself as an artist. To use my art as a means to explore more of America and put those adventures back into my art.
What’s sexy about eco-friendly fashion to you?
For me it would be the idea that people use fashion in an individual way. That people create or customize their own clothes to make and express something unique. To slow down on fast fashion or dispensable possessions. Rather than trying to buy a version of themself they investigate with fashion to find themself.
How do you think art can convince the fashion world to switch to sustainable practices?
I think expressing through art whether it be making or viewing is a contemplative thing, it’s an inner conversation. Something that is developed and expressed slowly over time, I hope that there can be more of that within fashion. A deeper relationship to the materials, production, and expression so that there is less room for waste.
How do you vote with your dollar?
I try to buy from makers who produce individual one offs or small batches. It’s nice to support smaller businesses and the practice of skilled hand made products with honest and natural materials. In doing so I hope I play a small role that helps support a system of brands that care about the passion of a product rather than just profit margins.
What does love mean to you?
It means connection, to be connected to someone, to ourselves and a way of being or doing.
Life Motto?
Be open
What does the term “Ecovocateur” mean to you?
To me it means a creative, conscientious, and exciting way of approaching fashion, art or design. A mindful way of creating in a sustainable way, that adds something to our lives rather than taking away. It enriches us without a cost to our planet.
