Arts sector is funky, thriving
Webster might not be the most highprofile artist, but it is likely many a Hamiltonian would have spent some time gazing at her work - possibly as part of a daily commute into the city: Her colourful, cubism-influenced mural adorns the wall on Claudelands Rd-River Rd underpass.
‘‘I think I was born arty ... I’d love to do more murals. I’d love for the city council to hire me to paint murals for them. Street art is a big part of my mantra and inspiration. People need to be surrounded by art all the time.
‘‘That’s why it is so great living and working in Frankton.’’
Although born in Melbourne, Webster’s family hail from Hamilton, and she has spent much of her life in the City of Roundabouts.
‘‘I grew up in Sayer St. I’m a Frankton girl through and through’’
After successfully negotiating her schooling at Fraser High School, she made tracks for the bright lights of Auckland University to study engineering and robotics, ‘‘before deciding it was not really my thing’’. Refocusing her education on her artistic inclinations, she took on Wintec’s fine arts degree, hammering her way through the threeyear course in two years - ‘‘I felt like I needed to play catch-up’’ - and finishing with a flourish in the form of a finalsemester overseas exchange in Chengdu, China.
Webster is about to launch Skinroom’s new era with an exhibition of works by more than 20 artists from around the city, Raglan, Te Awamutu and Morrinsville, titled Damn, Baby. I’’ t’s going to be a fundraiser, with mainly small works. A small step towards getting back the investment of all my savings that has gone into Skinroom. Hopefully it will set us on our way to fulfilling our mission of greatness.’’