Art that makes you smile inside and out. That’s how one art collector described Spyder Webb’s art. Webb’s work is all about joy and fun, but there is considerable depth to it also. One of the first things collectors notice when they own one of Webb’s pieces are the smiles on their faces and in their hearts when they see his artwork on their walls. Webb has had one man shows in Virginia and Pennsylvania, as well as numerous group shows. He has exhibited in juried shows nationally, including with the American Watercolor Society. While living in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, he was a member of both the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh (the group Andy Warhol belonged to) and the Pittsburgh Watercolor Society. Both organizations require prospective members to be juried in, before they can be accepted for membership.
In the 1980s Webb was syndicated with Associated Features as a political cartoonist and was featured in four consecutive editions of “Best Editorial Cartoons of the Year”. Feeling that the attack aspect of editorial cartooning was not a good fit for his spiritual beliefs, he then left editorial cartooning for fine art. In addition to editorial cartoons, he also wrote and drew two cartoon strips. “Father Flood” was syndicated by Liturgical Publications to Catholic churches for use in their Sunday bulletins. More recently, he authored the web comic, “Sacred Cows”, featuring a metaphysical spirituality. “Sacred Cows” is still available for viewing at www.sacredcowsonline.com .
Largely self-taught, Webb started out as an ad agency art director, then freelanced as a humorous illustrator with national and multinational corporate clients, before transitioning into fine art full time. After taking a decade and a half off to pursue spiritual interests, he has returned to painting, bringing with him a deeper understanding of life and the importance of joy and just plain fun.
He is an ordained minister with the International Metaphysical ministry, and holds doctorates from the University of Sedona and the American Institute of Holistic Theology. He remains active in ministry as an interfaith chaplain at Native American gatherings, and as a wedding officiant.
The son of a career diplomat, Webb was mostly raised both in Latin America and the United States, and now lives in rural northwest Pennsylvania with his wife, Tekakwitha, who is a brilliant song writer. Together, known as Clear Water Drum, they have been nominated twice for an Indian Summer Music Award (ISMA), and once for a Native American Music Award (NAMMY). Webb views his music and art as two halves of a whole, each informing and enriching the other.
The Webbs’ Clear Water Drum website can be found at www.clearwaterdrum.com along with links to their music.
For Spyder’s art please visit http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/spyder-webb.html.
