Profile: Cleve Webber, Montgomery Artist

"I think the creation of art is so important. It almost becomes a spiritual experience at times."

Cleve Webber, a native of Jamaica, has been living and creating art in Alabama since 1994. In addition to his artwork, Mr. Webber is also a Professor of Art at Alabama State University in Montgomery. His teaching career has included stints at Southern Union State Community College, Troy University, Auburn University, and Auburn University-Montgomery.

"Teaching students is a chance to practice the basic aspects of art, to create a foundation. Sometimes I find that as I watch my students struggle to build that foundation, it reminds me of my own struggles as an artist."

While he teaches in several mediums, Mr. Webber considers himself primarily a painter and has a particular interest in figures and movement. "I'm from Jamaica, and dance plays a major role in our culture. So if I am going to paint figures, they need some kinetic energy, some movement. I incorporate African-American experience through dance."

In beginning a new work of art, Mr. Webber finds inspiration in his backyard studio. "It's almost like a transient experience once you get started. You get so involved that you lose track of time. It's a deep mental process."

This artist has seen growth in Alabama's arts culture in his 30 years here. "I'm finding that the arts scene in Montgomery is growing. Montgomery is not just a place for locals, it has a lot of people from other places." Mr. Webber sees this diversity as contributing to the growth of the arts in Montgomery.

Learn more about Cleve Webber's work: https://clevewebber.ueniweb.com/