From North to South
Artists Statement for exhibition in Espressini cafe. Falmouth
Ben King is an Irish artist who has moved from Donegal in the North west of Ireland to Cornwall in 2016.
Taking inspiration from my surroundings I work mostly from photos. I have photos from surf photographer Ed West whom I met in the water at Porthleven. Ed gave me permission to paint from his photos. I collect images constantly from everywhere. When drawing before painting I change things about to play with the perspective, I add some imagination into it too. I have worked in different styles of painting over the past few years my main inspiration comes from seascapes and townscapes. I spend most of my time in these environments. I have been surfing for 14 years and water has always been a motivation in my art. I am interested in the therapeutic values of water. Getting into the sea provides the means to get outside of our daily routines and allows our brain to reset. The ocean promotes physiological and psychological changes spanning health and wellness, awe and wonder, creativity and play, and happiness and relaxation.
My material of choice is acrylics on board. If I’m painting big scale I use canvas but I don’t like the bounce of canvas to be honest. I like the fact that acrylics dry quickly so I can work quickly. I also like that they are water based and solvent free. High pigmented paint mixed with gloss medium gives a great effect.
I have graduated in 2010 in Belfast. Since then I have travelled a lot. I have worked as a technician, done admin work and theatrical street spectacles internationally. I have dabbled with many different art forms including music but always return to painting. Please get in contact if you would like a commission.
Past Exhibitions
A SLICE OF LIFE
Thu, Aug 30, 2018
A group Exhibition in The Saracens Plate, Penryn Cornwall. This is a collaboration of Local Artists and the launch of the first Exhibition for The Saracens Plate.
OPEN HOUSE
13TH July 2018, resident artists open studio exhibition at the Old Bakery Studios, Truro.
Mon, Feb 12. This was Part of a group exhibition in The Poly Falmouth, Cornwall.
www.benkingart.com kingbenking@outlook.com Studio – Old Bakery Truro
Tel. no 07526919311