Credit: Andre Cerezo
Avery Webster-Hobbs is our next “Femme Voices” feature interview. This artist uses bold colors to paint pieces that celebrate the feminine form. She focuses on a more natural aesthetic in her portraits, both with the backdrop and the figures that are the center of her “Femme Fuzze” designs. Avery’s art challenges the status quo on what is acceptable for those who possess a femme identity. As someone who values the support of a community, she uses her artistry to partner with small businesses in Brooklyn and encourages other artists to put their work out there as she has done.
Read below to learn more about Avery!
Please introduce yourself. What is your name? Where are you located? What are your pronouns and how do you identify?
My name is Avery Webster-Hobbs. I am a Brooklyn-based artist of African and German descent. My roots are in the Midwest and I’ve been raised throughout Brooklyn. My pronouns are She/They/Them.
Can you explain the concept of “Femme Fuzze” and tell us about the different types of art you create?
Femme Fuzze is an alias inspired by my personal crave to redefine femininity and avenge years of internalized disapproval of my genetics and natural appearance. The portraits that I create feature femmes who, by sharing their beliefs and lifestyles publicly, transform taboo (i.e. nudity, promiscuity, witchcraft) into what it should really be called, “glory”, “nature” and unapologetic trust in oneself.
My paint pallet is stubbornly bright! Most of my creations feature Femme Fuzz’d Venus Flytraps and Sunflowers. Each of these plants represents the good and the bad (two terms that are always subject to change). I mainly use acrylic on just about anything I can get my hands on: canvas, glass, wood and mirrors. I know that reflections haunt us in a society that aims for self-betterment so I make sure to design mirrors that remind me to think something kind every time I catch a glance at myself.
How long have you been an artist? How/why did you start? Is there anything else that you do?
I’ve been a creative person my entire life. Representation for overweight, agnostic, biracial femmes that aren’t sure how to use a comb was scarce growing up. All lonely kids are creative.
I work service jobs that allow me to support my craft and also enhance it by constantly challenging me to see myself in others/vice versa. I’ve been painting with discipline for over 4 years. Since that time, I accepted my pain to be relatable.
You seem pretty connected to the community, participating in and hosting events, etc., especially in Brooklyn. Have you been able to use that to help you to be more creative? How has holding space in various places acted to support your work?
The first year of painting, I was displaying papers ripped out of notebooks in group shows. That grew into matte finished canvases at the Heath Gallery in Harlem. From there, I entered myself in several art-shows through curators from the Bronx. Seeing my work alongside so many talented people has definitely encouraged me to keep going.
Lakou Cafe in Crown Heights is where I hosted my first 2 solo shows in 2018. I continue to curate shows for other talented artists looking to get out of the Instagram screen and put their work up in the flesh.
What do you hope to contribute to your communit(ies) and to society at large?
I’m aiding artists to fill a room with their talent. I hope I can bring the vibe to other black-owned businesses in Crown Heights and keep their rent paid. I am breaking through and becoming more intimate with my audience so that I can be the support that they give me without even knowing.
The Glam Femme often seeks to explore the multi-dimensionality of women and femmes of color. In what ways would you consider yourself multidimensional, if at all?
I’d consider myself multidimensional for the array of issues that concern me. But you know what? They all fall under the same category. Fighting fucking white supremacy.
What struggles related to your intersectional experience do you face and how do you overcome them?
What is your favorite method of self-care?
Burning sage, saying “life is good, thank you”, switching up my timeline, addressing my shit and forgiving myself.
What are you most proud of about yourself and what you have accomplished?
Honestly, I’m fucking proud of myself for growing up.
Do you have any upcoming projects or goals?
I like set design very much. After my first show, I decided to start working on a Femme Fuzze installation. I am renting out a Crown Heights venue, complete with bar and band set-up. Many of my peers will be involved. The date will be announced in the next month.
How can we see your work/contact you/etc.?
As of now, my work can be viewed on my Instagram account but my website will be up by Spring 2019.
Credit: January Everweather
