Make it count this holiday season.
This year for the holidays, we’ve collaborated with two incredible Austin, TX-based artists – Tom Jean Webb and Kelly Colchin – to create a custom T-shirt and socks for a truly important cause.
100% of proceeds from the collabs are donated to TALA, Texas Accountants and Lawyers for the Arts. TALA provides Texas artists and arts organizations with legal and accounting assistance to enable them to maximize their potential, shape the cultural landscape, and contribute to the creative economy.
Read on to hear what both artists had to say about the collaboration, and what they’re working on now.
Tom Jean Webb
Originally from London, artist Tom Jean Webb found his muse in the sweeping vistas of the American Southwest. Now nestled in Austin, he channels his admiration for these expansive landscapes into breathtaking paintings and sculptures that bridge the gap between human experience and the natural world.
Q: What drew you to collaborating with CoCollect to support TALA, Texas Accountants and Lawyers for the Arts?
A: Firstly I’m a fan of CoCollect and how they are offering an opportunity for art to be a part of people’s lives. I know my talents lie in my creative abilities and not so much in the administrative side, so any institution that offers help and advice to artists I’m very much a fan of! The idea and participation of a collective is important to me and I really want to play my part, so I’m honored to help.
Q: Tell us about the design you created for the T-shirt.
A: I’m interested in the spaces we exist in and the spaces we exist as. This design is about standing still, being present and aware of the shadows we cast, in a positive light.
Q: How important is it for artists to use their talent for social impact?
A: I think its important that everyone be conscious of the world we live in, especially artists. Artists have the ability to process our existence and create a language to tell stories of the impact and or alternative possibilities. Art can act as a record of the past and present but also enable momentum for positive change for the future.
Q: In what ways can people further support arts organizations like TALA (and others!) and contribute to the broader art community?
A: Personally, I often auction off artworks to raise funds for many charities or nonprofits, either directly through social media or donating works to outside organizations. In terms of the broader art community, I try to see as many exhibitions as I can and share information on those exhibitions or artists to others. It’s important to me to exercise my joy in the art I see and enjoy promoting it.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: Currently I’m planning and creating work for two solo exhibitions in early 2024. One here in Austin at Ivester Contemporary and the other at Brooke Benington in London. Both shows will develop different sides to my practice but collectively talk of my time here, of the space that I hold and my relationship to the natural world that inspires me.
Kelly Colchin
An illustrator and artist, Kelly Colchin’s work captures an organic spirit with a practice that includes watercolor, cut paper, painting with botanical pigments, and pattern work.
Q: What drew you to collaborating with CoCollect to support TALA, Texas Accountants and Lawyers for the Arts?
A: As part of the incredible artist community here in Austin, I am always looking for ways to support and give back. When I first heard about TALA through CoCollect I was so inspired by their mission. I couldn’t wait to participate in this project!
Q: Tell us about the design you created for the socks.
A: This design is my interpretation of a weird dream I had once about drinking tea in a cactus. It’s a Texas tea time. As seen on a sock.
Q: How important is it for artists to use their talent for social impact?
A: I think this is so incredibly important! Art has always been used to share new ideas and fight for what is right and good. Making art has been an incredible force in my life during good times and bad. I can’t imagine who I would be without art in my life and it makes me so happy to share this truth with others.
Q: In what ways can people further support arts organizations like TALA (and others!) and contribute to the broader art community?
A: One of the best ways you can contribute to the broader art community is to support local artists where you live! I try to do this by going to see local shows (art and music!), buying art and goods from local makers and supporting local stores and galleries. There are beautiful, inspiring pieces of art you can buy at every price point. And each of those purchases supports someone’s dream.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: I am finishing a fun collaboration with one of my favorite Austin clients, Tecovas boots. I am also experimenting with a line of surface patterns and working on some new merchandise for the lovely Adriene Mishler of Yoga with Adriene. On a personal note, I am forever working on being present, being a good person and spending time away from my phone. Which makes me happier, but also a better artist.
Check out the T-shirt, socks and even more CoCollect gift items here.
