Michele Webber - Biography
A CHILDHOOD SPENT DRAWING -I was born in Middlesex, but moved house a lot during my childhood, attending no less than 8 schools. Disillusioned with school, reading and drawing were all I cared for. Maths lessons were occupied by filling exercise books with drawings of pop stars, using the splendid medium of black Biro. On leaving school at 16 I paid the obligatory trip to the local ‘careers office’ (dismal porta-cabin) where I was asked what sort of job I wanted. “Something to do with art…“ I ventured. The careers officer soon knocked such silliness on the head and explained that my best plan was to learn to type, and get an office job.
A BIG BREAK -
I stopped drawing entirely. Trained as a hairdresser, but became bored with it as soon as I was qualified. Most of my twenties were spent copy typing in offices.
RENEWED INTEREST -
After moving to Suffolk, 18 years ago, I became gradually aware that the desire to produce artwork was still very strong. I stopped working to look after my daughter. The idea of going back to the office 9 to 5 did not appeal. A holiday in St Ives in Cornwall introduced me to watercolour paintings, and I bought a little set of paints in an art shop in Truro. The owner was enthusiastic, and told me that I would do very well with them! Of course initially I did very badly, but somehow I knew that painting was the only thing for me. I began to take classes with a local artist, and Botanical Painter Christopher Ryland. Like all the best art tutors, he encouraged me to find my own style, and of course I kept practicing. Becoming a single parent gave me the push I needed. I had no qualifications, a skill (copy typing) that was obsolete. I couldn’t even drive. I was terrified, but it was now or never. Art or a desk job.
A PROPER JOB -
Since the day I realised I was meant to be an artist it has been my only path. Advice to ‘get a proper job’ was ignored. Every time someone told me it was a bad idea my determination doubled. I learnt to drive, and acquired a car with a boot big enough for transporting paintings. I learnt about framing, exhibiting, and computer graphics. I threw myself in at the deep end and said yes to any art based work, no matter how scared I felt. An initial decision to teach classes was based on economic necessity, that it was fulfilling came as a surprise. I had several solo exhibitions in my home town and took part in mixed exhibitions. I tutored community projects and taught classes and workshops. I gave demonstrations to art clubs. I became a promoter for the Society of All Artists, and a member of the Gainsborough’s House Print Workshop.
THE ART -
Since the start of 2009 I have found myself drawn back to pure Watercolour painting. This has followed a period of experimentation with other media, including Monoprints and Mosaics. But Watercolour is still the main event. Nothing else can produce the same results, and my happiest times are when painting. Favourite subjects remain gardens and woodlands; the tangled patterns and colours of growing plants, trees and flowers. My style remains precise without being a slavish copy. I become lost in the process, finding or creating movement and pattern that is almost surreal. I sometimes work from memory, sometimes from photos, sometimes in the garden, it doesn't matter, as long as I can paint I am content.
TODAY -
I still live in Suffolk with my daughter, and work from home. Life is a constant juggle of producing art, teaching classes, housework, dealing with paperwork and taxi driving teenagers about. My job is the best in the world, every day is different. My paintings go out into the world, it’s fantastic to think of them having this whole new life in places I may never see, giving pleasure to people I may never meet. I have work in the USA, Australia, all over the place!
THE FUTURE -
I once had a goal to sell a painting. I sold a painting. Then my goal was an exhibition. I had an exhibition. I came to realise that ambitions are replaced as soon as they are achieved. My current ambitions: Get a dedicated studio of my own, rather than an office and a painting area that doubles as the dining room. Participate in more exhibitions, and when my daughter is older, teach painting holidays.
I DEDICATE this website to my daughter, my lovely supportive friends and my fellow artists.