For artist Natasha Webster, a certain kind of interaction sparks a special kind of joy. These are the moments when kids stop to watch her paint, or people pause to comment on the specific subjects of her work. “Seeing their faces and their reactions, and hearing people say, ‘Oh, we want to see more Black art in Alaska,’ or ‘My children, they see someone that looks like them doing art, and they love art’ — it melts my heart every single time,” Webster said. “Those are moments that are so priceless, because it is often that — particularly in a space like a museum or gallery, unless you’re in a community that has had the resources and the history to create these spaces — our children won’t see it. They won’t see people like them, they won’t see paintings that look like them and that tell their story.” Webster aims to change that. A self-trained painter and poet, she’s one of the acclaimed young Black artists whose influence has begun to reverberate throughout Alaska art and culture. Her work focuses on issues of human justice, social justice, mental health, women’s rights and empowerment, driven by a passion for positive change, equality and affording opportunities for those who may be underestimated. Her paintings have been displayed in Alaska and Outside; she’s taught classes, served as a virtual artist-inresidence at the Anchorage Museum, and as a member of an advisory panel for the museum’s 2021 exhibit “Black Lives in Alaska: Journey, Justice, Joy.” The exhibit, on view through Feb. 13, 2022, features archival photos and collected materials showcasing the richness and resilience of Black lives in Alaska; corresponding events included a family art class and a panel discussion with local artists. Working with Webster on new programs for museum audiences was “a gift,” said Community Outreach Archivist Julie Varee. “She just has this great perspective that she brings to anything,” Varee said. “She’ll have an idea, and then she’s able to explain it in a way that is accessible to non-artists, and it’s always this fresh, interesting vision.” It comes from a lifetime of experience, a deep well of curiosity and a growing network of community. Raised in a military family, Webster grew up in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and beyond, traveling to places across America and around the world, exploring new ways of creative expression along the way. As a child she sang, wrote songs, doodled, colored, made up skits, and later fell in love
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August 2021 | 61°north
Party of One | 36 in x 48 in Acrylic, oil pastels and art marker on gallery wrapped canvas
