Wood relief and sculpture artist Ben L. Smith begins talking about his life, and you suddenly find yourself utterly spellbound by the charms of a master storyteller. One can immediately tell that Ben Smith is operating at a higher frequency than most. With a contagious laugh and quick-witted humor that shines throughout his work, it is not hard to see why Smith's art is a game changer.
Most great artists have multiple talents. Ben is no exception to the rule. Not only is he an exceptional visual artist, but he also teaches salsa dancing and plays the congas at a high level. In his studio that he refers to as "The Shack" on his property in Atlanta Georgia, he admitted, "My favorite thing is the feel of the dried wood chips crumbling under my feet as I move around." With both highly detailed wood relief wall art and large carvings that stand as tall as six feet, Smith displays a wide range of creative ability and scope.
Ben Smith’s first experience in woodcarving began at the early age of six! He learned to appreciate the texture, grain, and warmth of wood from his Grandmother. The story goes... when it was time for stern discipline, she would make him select his own switch from the bushes near her home for a spanking. With every lick from those loving switches she sent him out to cut; he was inspired to begin shaping small tree limbs. He says his Grandmother Nancy, "gave him the opportunity to shape wood on a weekly basis."
Ben began his formal sculpting adventure in 1968, at Ohio University, under the tutelage of Renown Sculptor, David Hostetler. It was here that he realized his passion for wood carving.
After graduating from Ohio University in 1970, he worked for Channel thirteen, WSPD, an ABC affiliate, in Toledo, Ohio. He worked in the photo lab department processing video film until he was drafted for military service. Ben completed his military service in the U.S. Coast Guard as an electronic technician.
After his service, Ben worked in various capacities for some telecommunication companies. It was here that he had the opportunity to travel in and out of the country. It was also during these travels that he was exposed to other cultures and their art. This exposure ignited a detonation of creativity in the artist that still inspires his work to this day.
Today, Benedwin devotes many hours to his low-relief woodcuts and sculpture in his Atlanta studio. When he’s not sculpting, he’s teaching dance or making music “tickling the ivories” as he calls it.
Sharing his experiences and learning from others is what brings him joy. Over the years, he has developed an artistic style which is rustic, sensuously cool, and uniquely his own! Smith's current exhibition, "Rhythm of Holes and Lumps" at the South Fulton art Center has been said to have the ability to "increase your art intellect"- (Fulton Today). It was at Ben's exhibition, surrounded by his incredible artwork, that TNE got a chance to sit down with the reclusive artist to chat a bit. Click the link below to hear the full interview:
