Today we’d like to introduce you to Benjamin Smallwood.
Hi Benjamin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I draw inspiration from bright, bold color and the mystery of the natural world, particularly the southwestern United States. I’m Georgia born, but being half-Texan and having lived in the high desert of Colorado for a stint, I’m drawn to the colors and scenery there. I love traveling and exploring out West. My art tends to reflect my imaginative interpretation of natural elements.
I appreciate all styles of art but believe that my art, foremost, should bring joy and inspire viewers. I strive to create pieces that authentically reflect myself, which one would also want to look at over and over.
As a child, all I ever wanted to grow up and be was an artist. I took lots of art classes but took another path as a college student and pursued a more traditional career route. Life changed for me in my 30s, when I was able to return to my first love of art and pursue a more creative life. I’ve been privileged to spend most of the past decade primarily caring for my three sons and painting my days away in my home studio just off the Marietta Square. I try to not take myself too seriously and simply enjoy the process of creativity.
My favorite part of the creative process is the journey itself, not necessarily always the end result. From concept to execution, I love pushing boundaries and challenging myself to continue learning, expanding, and experimenting with new mediums and tools.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The greatest struggles for me as a creative involved facing my fears of rejection and going public with my work, particularly when I was just starting. My art is such an extension of myself that it’s difficult for me to distinguish the two sometimes. Learning to really embrace my art path as a journey and not an arrival was huge for me.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I work primarily as an abstract expressionist painter in mixed media. I’m most proud of my recent solo show, “MOONRISE”, at North Park Gallery on the Marietta Square.
It was a deeply personal show, highlighting themes of longing, struggle/conquest, and hope, as experienced particularly through the pandemic and my chronic struggles with insomnia. Seeing people connect with this particular body of work was especially meaningful to me.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
People are usually surprised to find out that I hold a Master’s degree in Conflict Management. My wife and I are extremely happy with the life we have, but it looks entirely different from what we pictured when we started out together!
Contact Info:
- Email: theamblingarmadillo@gmail.com
- Website: Theamblingarmadillo.com
- Instagram: @theamblingarmadillostudio
Image Credits
Claire Collar
