Newcastle Artist Profile: Sarah Webb
Illustration by Sarah Webb
Sarah Webb grew up in Nelson Bay, a coastal town just north of Newcastle. She completed a Fine Arts Degree at the University of Newcastle and moved to Sydney on a whim to follow her dream. A great move because she scored a job at Milk & Honey as the graphic designer. Sarah is quickly becoming the talk of the town with features in fashion mags Yen and BATS. We were lucky enough to have a chat with her about her art, inspirations, living in Sydney and her dream job!
Firstly describe yourself in three words:
Never on time.
Who in your life influences you?
It’s cliché but my mum and dad. They sacrifice everything for others. I couldn’t ask for better role models. I hope to be like them one day.
What was your experience of studying at Newcastle Uni?
I loved it. Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t a good student. Always late, always skipping classes, doing assignments the night before, but I immersed myself in my work. On my first day the lecturer got up and said “Statistics say that out of 250, 1 of you will actually get a job out of this degree”. It made me realise I was serious about art and I would do anything to be that one person!
What is your inspiration to create such beautiful artwork?
Experience. I’m always expectant for inspiration in the mundane activities in life, like waiting for a bus. When most people are on autopilot, i’m sitting with my eyes wide open, studying the shapes and colours of everything around me.
What was it like growing up in Nelson Bay?
Amazing. I’m currently on a train home as I write this. There’s nothing better then finishing a hectic week at work and having paradise to go to. I feel so sorry for kids that grow up in the city, always wearing shoes and nowhere to runaround. There was nothing better than being young and free. I would ride my bike to the jetty after school, jump off and swim for hours with friends until the sun went down. Children in the city just don’t get that freedom.
What has been your best experience working at Milk & Honey?
It’s so easy to miss the good times, when you’re in the moment… it’s usually tangled up in a lot off stress. I usually realise how exciting it all is when I go home of a night and someone asks what I did that I day. Saying it out loud is when the penny drops. My number one highlight though would have to be working with Kym Ellery (Ellery Designer / RUSSH magazine). I’ve loved her forever, so it’s been a dream come true, and plus she can quote every word to Mighty Boosh… I respect that!
What is the Sydney lifestyle like?
I work a lot. I mean a lot! And when I’m not at work, I’m doing freelance work in between eating my dinner and brushing my teeth, so I’m probably not the best person to ask. However when I get a day off, I love having a million and one activities at my doorstep. It’s also the land of opportunity.
Where do you plan to be in 10 years time?
To be honest I’m taking every day as it comes. I couldn’t tell you what I’m doing tomorrow. I’m really unorganised. I can tell you one thing… wherever I am I hope it’s beautiful, and my friends and family are by my side. But if not, that’s okay too.
Be sure to check out Sarah’s amazing blog
And take a look at Milk & Honey
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