Leslie Webb is no stranger to the heat. Living outside of Austin, TX, she has forged a career in furniture design/making, creating an impressive portfolio of works and a stellar resume to match.
Leslie’s interest was initially peaked while perusing a handcrafted furniture catalog one morning while working as a nanny on break from college. She mentioned her interest and the father of the family who was an artist employed her to build shipping crates.
Nine months at the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Rockport, Maine served as her first official foundation in the craft. She went on to attend the Crafts and Design Program at Sheridan College in Oakville, Ontario, and also served as an apprentice under renowned furniture maker Michael Fortune.
As Leslie has now settled into Texas she continues to create limited small batch works as well as large and commercial productions. It is in this moment of her career that one can look both ways and see either a decorated past or a bright future. But her career and her fortitude weren’t built without some fiery tests from the industry as a single young female with obvious talent.
When asked if she felt like her gender had influence the direction of her work or her current emphasis within her craft, Leslie shared “I’m sure it has, though I don’t really have examples. I believe that gender is intrinsic to who we are and how we experience this world. And of course, that affects everything.”
You can look at Leslie’s work and see the thoughtful delicacy in the fine angles of her favorite piece, the Linda Lou Rocker. Her approach to gentle strength within her design provides the viewer a feeling of softness intertwined with a striking, modern design. A fantastic blend of the feminine and masculine.
This balance is also sought by many women trying to find their voice within the industry. Webb shared experiences of doubt from men, whether they were selling her lumber at the hardware store or viewing her work on display at a show.
“At a show I did several years ago, I was actually told to my face by another male woodworker that he didn’t know a woman could build furniture, after insisting for 10 minutes that I must have male employees building everything for me. At the time it made me really mad, but now it just makes me sad for the women in his life. I can only imagine how little he must think of their capabilities.”
Webb also mentioned a public disdain for women within the educational realm. “During critiques, if you were a female and had a good crit, inevitably it would be mentioned that you were praised because the critic “loved the ladies”, not because you actually deserved it. It took me a long time to realize that these reactions and interactions actually had nothing to do with me, that they are just reflections of how other people see the world and gender.”
Despite the unfounded doubts in her competency Webb has created a very fine and unique style of design that splendidly combines sharp design with a comfortable feel. Her work has brought her many opportunities and Webb excitedly shared what’s on the horizon for her.
“Currently, I am working on a credenza/sideboard with sliding doors. I am pretty excited about it because it has been awhile since I made a large storage piece. This past fall I collaborated with Shay Spaniola of bunglo.co on a line of textiles for my Lola Lounge Chair. In the next few months, I will be introducing new pieces from that collaboration. I am also planning an upholstered version of the Linda Lou Rocker.”
You can view more of Leslie Webb’s work at lesliewebbdesign.com
Follow her:
@lesliewebbdesign
facebook.com/LeslieWebbDesign
For those wondering, Women of Woodworking is a new writing project I am excited to launch with this post. See this post and more on my Women of Woodworking landing page.
Katie Thompson 
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