This is Zach Webb, a recent graduate from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and artist! He played a major role in the completion of a new mural in Downtown Pine Bluff, Arkansas. He shared what art means to him, and how he plans to continue to use his gifts in the future.
art is essentially everything we do in life that is creative.
"I think art is essentially everything we do in life that is creative. Even if it’s how we wake up in the morning and brush our teeth. As individuals we all have our own way of doing things, depending on the culture or background you come from. I think that’s art in itself, having individuality and creativity in the simplest routines of our everyday lives.
Art shapes our society by allowing us to learn new things everyday, different ways to, my mom would always say, “skin a cat”. There are multiple ways to get things done. I think art allows societies and governments and cultures to evolve into new ideas, perspectives and thinking. That’s a very intricate way that it connects to our society. Just by evolving period."
Whether intentionally or unintentionally, we have all been shaped by art. Hearing from creatives like Zach, we can't help but examine ourselves and the way our artistic expression will impact others.
"It’s a blessing to have a mural in Pine Bluff. I got here 4 years ago in 2019 and came to UAPB. If you would’ve told me that’s what I would be doing before I left I would’ve told you no way. That wasn’t really a goal or dream I had before I got here. I just came out here to do school, play ball, and get my degree like everybody else. They say if you tell God your plans he’ll laugh at you because He’s the author of our beginning and end. So for me to come out here and things take this turn it’s very powerful. It’s also gotten a lot of feedback in the community so it’s just really a blessing."
This is one of the most modern murals in Pine Bluff, reflecting the musical history of city. Some say it was a much needed breath of fresh air for a town in the revitalization process. It makes people feel like they're in a special place.
"I’ll continue to use my art to empower communities doing what I just did here. I think I’ll continue to do that. Be on the lookout, I have more projects coming to the city with a lot of renovations coming to the downtown area. So I’ll be around Pine Bluff for a while. Also I’ll be helping young people like myself, who are very creative and want to express themselves and their creativity on a larger commercial scale. I want to continue to put money in their pockets, and even the struggling college students. Show them there’s different ways out here to make money other than the conventional ways like corporate America or like the unconventional ways of the street life.
That’s how I want to use my art."
Thank you Zach for doing your part, and using media to make a difference! We look forward to seeing you grow in your craft as an artist!