AT THE CROSSROADS

Istanbul has been fertile ground for creatives, but the rapid rise of religious conservatism is creating a culture of fear.

ALLIE WEBB PRINTMAKER

ST: “When did you first know you wanted to be an artist?” Allie Webb: “Pretty much as soon as I picked up a crayon I knew I wanted to create pictures. When I discovered Jim Dine’s work as a teenager, I knew I had to become a printmaker.” ST: “How would your describe your art?” “The pieces always have a sense of humour about them … silly, fun. They’re all based on dining out, whether it’s at a refined fancy restaurant or a dive bar. I’m working strictly monochrome currently. I want to see how far I can push the medium of lino.” ST: “Describe your artistic process.”

AW: “I’ll usually start with an image in mind that I have to express. From there I’ll do a quick charcoal drawing, just so I know the picture will work. Then I draw directly onto the grey lino to keep the image fresh. While cutting sometimes I’ll rub out areas and spontaneously draw something in. After hours cutting, I’ll print one up as a proof, check what needs a bit more work and finalise from there.” ST: “What inspires you?” AW: “People-watching, folk art, dining at institutions, just being out and about.” ST: “How do you feel when you are in the middle of creating a new artwork?” AW: “It usually goes down in the following: excited, frustrated, bored, repeat.” ST: “Along with your husband, you have set up many fantastic venues/restaurants. How hard is creating a unique social environment compared to creating an artwork?” AW: “I guess similarly with linocuts and building you have to make a decision and stick with it. Once you’ve cut away an area, that’s it, no amending possible.”

ST: “If you could have an ultimate dinner party with three people, alive or passed away, who would they be?”

AW: “David Hockney, Kevin McCloud and Louis C.K. Although, let’s face it, they would ignore me and talk to each other. So probably my family would be the ultimate.” ST: “What do you love most about being an artist?” AW: “I love drawing funny scenarios, spending time by myself. Getting into the zone of creating, meeting other like-minded people.” ST: “Where are you happiest?” AW: “Usually making art, or going for long hikes in the bush, letting your mind wander. Spending time with my family.” ST: “What does the future hold?” AW: “Hopefully creating giant linocuts, continuing my practice. Working creatively with my husband on new ventures.” ■