Nic Webb
Nic Webb carves, scorches, burns, soaks and stains different species of fallen wood to create pieces that explore the natural drama of the material. He responds in a spontaneous, personal way to the individual character of each piece of wood, using intuitive processes to work in dialogue with the timber’s imperfections. He encourages cracks and splits to express themselves on the surface and contrasts areas of natural grain with highly polished smooth exteriors. The artist plays, too, with myriad shapes and forms - classical fluted vessels that swoop in graceful curves; mountainous rugged edges, or undulating dips and folds; and abrupt, angular pieces that openly reveal the artist’s sculpting hand.
To achieve his powerful works, Nic uses traditional tools, modern methods as well as experimental forms of carving; he explores the natural elements of ice, water and principally fire to shape his work in an unbound and organic manner. Webb comments that, ‘as fire journeys into wood, forms are revealed, briefly seen and quickly disappear. These vessels begin in primitive crudeness, move through varying states of function, and evolve or ‘devolve’ towards a delicate border between existence and absence. On the whole, the fire and the wood burn as they wish. As the piece concludes, I intervene, shepherd and finally halt the progress of loss at the place before all remnants of the journey are gone.’
After studying Fine Art at the University of Brighton, Nic spent several years in Cyprus before returning to London to work as a set builder. His studio is now based in the coastal region of East Sussex, UK. His work is at the forefront of British craft and has been exhibited extensively in the UK, as well as in the USA. He has pieces in significant international private collections across the world.
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Design Miami/ 2022 concludes successful 18th edition under the theme "The Golden Age: Looking to the Future"
Jose Villarreal, Art Daily -
Design Miami 2022: Further Coverage
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The 5 Best Booths at SF's FOG Art Fair
Open Color, January 20, 2023 -
Here's What's Not to Miss at This Year's FOG Design+Art in San Francisco
Galerie Editors, Galerie, January 10, 2023 -
The Golden Age
Hani Oh, ELLE Design, January 2, 2023 -
The Most Memorable Moments From Miami Art and Design Week 2022
Hannah Martin and Lila Allen, Architectural Digest, December 9, 2022 -
Highlights from Design Miami/ 2022
Design Miami, December 8, 2022 -
What we loved at Design Miami 2022
Elana Castle, Effect Magazine, December 7, 2022 -
5 DESIGN TRENDS WE SPOTTED DURING MIAMI ART WEEK
Ingrid Abramovitch, Parker Bowie Larson and Sean Santiago, Elle Decor, December 6, 2022 -
5 Standout Wood Furnishings at Design Miami Revive the Humble Material for the 21st Century
Adrian Madlener, Artnet, December 5, 2022 -
As Art Basel Turns 20, Miami Art Week Enters a New, Slightly Less Hyped-Up Dawn
Spencer Bailey, The Slowdown, December 2, 2022 -
Design Miami 2022 Gives Sights, Sounds, and Plenty of Seats
Joshua Glass, Cultured, December 1, 2022 -
A preview of a selection of this year’s exhibitors reveals some cutting edge contemporary works
Charlotte Abrahams , The Design Edit, November 21, 2022 -
Woodworker Nic Webb on the South Downs hut that offers him stillness, and coffee...
Hole & Corner -
Nic Webb's sculptural wooden vessels go on display at Hauser & Wirth Somerset
David Nicholls, House and Garden, June 3, 2020 -
Gallerist Sarah Myerscough on elevating craft to fine art
Nick Compton, Hole & Corner, October 1, 2017 -
Wood artist Nic Webb on the creative power of accidents
Nic Webb, Crafts Magazine, February 25, 2016