[Ben Stephenson](https://www.cohart.com/u/benstephenson), originally from the UK, now lives and works in Mexico, where he delves into themes of colonialism, exoticism, and voyeurism. Inspired by his experiences in Latin America, Ben reinterprets indigenous narratives through a surrealistic lens, weaving elements of folklore into his work. His art has been exhibited in notable venues across Mexico and the UK, including his debut museum exhibition in 2021. That same year, Ben was awarded First Prize for sculpture by the Mexican Embassy in London.

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##### Can you describe your artistic process? What materials and techniques do you typically use?

My process revolves around layering with oil paints, using handmade natural dyes and earth pigments to build complex surfaces and textures. I enjoy pushing the materials to their limits to create depth and subtle shifts in tone that invite the viewer to spend time exploring the details. Working with natural dyes, I often spend days to weeks layering the pigments and dyes on canvas, staining and washing, which deepens the connection I feel to the piece. The work becomes a meditative ritual, transforming traditional painting techniques into a more intimate and immersive experience. For sculpture, I explore similar themes using raw materials like adobe and ceramics, experimenting with how they can express a sense of grounding and connection to the earth.

##### What emotions do you experience when creating your art, and how do they influence the final piece?

The process is deeply emotive, often inspired by my own experiences with identity and representation. When creating, I experience a range of emotions from excitement to contemplation, especially as I layer each medium, which builds an energetic atmosphere into the work. This emotional journey influences the final piece, with each layer potentially embodying a different state or idea, making the work a complex tapestry of feeling and thought.

##### What is your approach to experimenting with new techniques or styles?

Experimentation is essential, especially with new techniques and materials. I aim to continually challenge myself by merging traditional practices with modern technology and styles. This keeps my work evolving and allows me to explore unexpected combinations that communicate the fluidity and richness of the materials and techniques.

##### Can you describe a turning point in your artistic career that significantly impacted your work?

One pivotal moment was leaving the UK to work in Latin America. The experience expanded my understanding of materials and methods, prompting me to incorporate locally sourced, organic elements like adobe and natural dyes. This shift transformed my work, connecting it more profoundly to the environment and communities I was a part of, and helping me build a style that honors the influence of both traditional techniques and new perspectives.

##### How do you balance personal expression with audience expectations in your work?

While my work is a personal exploration of heritage and identity, I also consider the viewer's experience and hope to provoke questions around cultural heritage. I aim to create pieces that are engaging on an intuitive level, accessible enough to draw in viewers, yet layered with depth for those who wish to delve deeper. This balance ensures my work remains both authentic and resonant with a broad audience.

##### What do you think is the most important quality for an artist to possess?

Curiosity and resilience are vital. The ability to ask challenging questions, take risks, and remain committed, even when facing uncertainty, keeps the work meaningful. It’s also essential to stay adaptable and open to evolving one’s practice, as it fuels growth and keeps the creative journey dynamic. If I had to choose just one though, it would be resilience.

##### Has your cultural background influenced your artistic practice?

My British background, coupled with my time in Latin America, deeply informs my work. Living in Mexico, I’ve absorbed diverse cultural and natural influences that have broadened my perspective on identity. The layering techniques in my work echo the layers of history and culture I encounter daily, and I strive to create art that respects and reflects these experiences.

##### Do you have any rituals or routines that help you get into a creative mindset?

Preparing my natural pigments and gathering materials from nature have become rituals in themselves. These practices ground me, creating a mental space conducive to focused, introspective work. I find that dedicating time to these preparations helps me approach each piece with a clear mind and intention.

##### How do you perceive the relationship between art and mental health?

Art has a profound connection to mental health; it provides an outlet for processing complex emotions and life experiences. This introspective aspect of creation can be incredibly therapeutic, both for the artist and for those who connect with the work on a personal level. In my experience, art offers a space to explore and heal, providing perspective and relief.

##### How do you see the role of art in today's digital age?

In today’s digital world, art remains an essential counterbalance, offering a tangible, immersive experience that fosters human connection. It allows people to slow down and engage in a sensory way that digital media often can’t replicate. By bridging traditional techniques with modern themes, I aim to keep my work relevant while encouraging viewers to reconnect with the physical world.

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Ben Stephenson combines oil paints and natural dyes to explore identity, heritage, and emotional depth—creating an immersive, evolving experience.

Spotlight: Ben Stephenson on Heritage and the Layered Landscapes of Identity

Spotlight: Ben Stephenson on Heritage and the Layered Landscapes of Identity

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