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Emma Webster makes landscape paintings for people who suspect nature is no longer entirely natural. The Los Angeles based artist builds her strange, cinematic worlds using a mix of sculpture, virtual reality, 3D modeling software, and traditional painting techniques, creating scenes filled with glowing animals, dramatic skies, and forests that feel faintly haunted. That sensibility is currently on view in Rues and Leaves Themselves Alone, her solo exhibition at New York’s Petzel through June 6, where pastoral landscapes start behaving more like psychological thrillers. For AIR MAIL, Webster shares an edit shaped by the same instincts: atmospheric, transportive, and just surreal enough to keep things interesting.

Taschen

$200

Hokusai

“Most people know his iconic print, The Great Wave, but Hokusai’s landscapes of rural Japan are equally stunning.”

Taschen

$200

Bruegel: The Complete Works

He’s been an inspiration for as long as I can remember. He revolutionized landscape painting. He was way ahead of his time.”

Taschen

$100

Albertus Seba. Cabinet of Natural Curiosities

The particularities of these creatures and the breadth of the collection make this book endlessly interesting.”

David Zwirner Books

$70

Elizabeth Peyton: Angel

Peyton’s reverence for girlhood is as political as it is inspiring. I love the delicate brushwork Peyton uses to create these dreamy, intimate, but also energetically charged portraits.”

Perrier-Jouët

$240

Belle Epoque Brut 2015

“This particular French vintage is one of my favorites. It’s light, well-balanced, fruit-forward. Perfect for the spring or summer but I drink it all year…”

Salomon

$849.95

S/LAB QST BLANK Skis

I’m a ski-bum at heart and love spending time in the mountains doing “research” for landscape painting.”

Fellow

From $199.95

Stagg EKG Pro Electric Kettle

Everyone I know has this kettle. The Brit in me takes tea at 3:30pm every day.”

Dede Johnston

$165

Skier Large Mug

“The studio has a collection of fun mugs, mostly art themed but also includes things I love like skiing.”

Moleskine

$8.95

Art Sketch Pad

“My studio is littered with sketchbooks. They’re essential to my process and I love a well-made one that can stand up to the wear and tear of daily use.”

Wildfang

$178

The Essential High Waisted Coverall

This is my go-to jumpsuit. It’s super comfy and I wear it in the studio most days.”

Beast

$149

Premium Compact Personal Blender

“I use this blender every morning to make my morning smoothie. It’s simple and easy to clean.”

Meta

$349.99

Quest 3S

Worldbuilding is an important aspect of my work, both on and off the canvas. I spend hours with my Oculus crafting creatures and landscapes.”

Kodak

$199.99

Luma 75 Portable Pocket Projector

“I use projectors for my under-paintings in the studio all the time, this one is super versatile.”

Casa Bosques Chocolates

$45

Chocolate Domino Set - Pure Dark

A dessert and a game all in one!”

Emma Webster

$35

Decimate

“This digital sketchbook walks viewers through my process and features work in my show Rues and Leaves Themselves Alone, which opens at Petzel New York on April 30th.”


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