Pacific Ray Bench - Kevin Webby

Kevin Webby

Where the processes of art and design converge and cross over lies a genre of work that defies the ordinary and propels us toward the idea that art and design are necessities, not fanciful luxuries. As a designer, this is where I live; this is what excites and sustains me. "New ideas; from a new generation; from New Zealand". Proudly made in New Zealand for the world!

While acknowledging the importance of function, Kevin's primary concern is with beauty and the connections that the on-looker creates between themselves and the objects that he creates.

He employs both traditional and modern materials to create furniture, lighting and object designs that evoke a sense of the individual as well as reflecting the cultural and physical landscape that is unique to us as New Zealanders. The result is something special and enduring. Like many creative souls, Kevin remains receptive to his environment. Not surprisingly then, his work is strongly influenced by the senses and by the accumulative effect of his life experience. At times these influences can be tactile, like the physical landscape that we are blessed with.

Often though, good design can spring from something less tangible, like the irreverent treatment of a utilitarian object. The shaping of Kevin's 'Lady Jane table lamp” is testament to this suggestion. Kevin always attempts to offer a contemporary yet fresh outlook to his work.

Forest, lakes, rivers, mountains, beaches and his inevitable interaction with them, played no small role in his desire to express himself through the process of design. Trained in Palmerston North, Kevin is a designer with extensive national and international trade fair and exhibition experience. Webby re-located to the Hawke’s Bay in 2003 where he became one of the founding members of the high profile furniture design group, Cicada Studios. After attending the Milano Internazionale del mobile fiera in 2004, Webby set up his own company and now offers a design service and a range of furniture designs to private and commercial clients, as well as a network of retail outlets throughout New Zealand. In 2005 after a series of guest appearances at furniture fairs and exhibitions across Australia and New Zealand, Webby got his big break in 2006 when he was asked to exhibit at New Yorks’ International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) and a side event exhibition, supported by Saatchi and Saatchi’s New York office . These events helped propel Webby into the international marketplace and sparked an unprecedented level of interest and enquiry into his work. Industry leaders, event organisers, exhibition curators and magazine editors are amongst a growing group of interested parties, heralding the arrival of a genuine emerging talent from New Zealand.

Kevin Webby Design’s future is bright. With pieces already gracing homes overseas, Kevin aims to expand his business internationally over the next few years. He is currently working with Auckland based company ‘Essenze’ to build his profile in the United States and Europe.

“My ambition is to attract more national and international buyers and bring good New Zealand design within reach of more people.”