Meet Benjamin Hunsinger

Today we’d like to introduce you to Benjamin Hunsinger.

So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am an emerging artist based in Atlanta, GA. I began painting as a child and continued my practice with the pursuit of a B.F.A. (Bachelor of Fine Arts) painting degree through Georgia State. I am now in my last semester and continue to make work for shows and commissions. While painting started as a hobby for me, it has now become a way for me to communicate my message with others through a visual display. My work is very expressive and deals with mental illness. My goal is to express emotions that are otherwise unseen from the surface of the individual. I want to bring light of the importance of mental health, in addition to providing a visual representation of how mental health can manifest itself in the physical world.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Painting is a difficult industry to be successful in. Studying art at Georgia State has provided me with a fantastic foundation of skills, techniques, art theory, and a solid understanding of art theory. I am now implicating these ideas and foundations in my work while trying to expose my work to as many new people as possible. For me the struggles always come down to scheduling. Working and going to school full time can be difficult to multitask, so prioritizing your work time, and getting in shows can be very difficult if you are unorganized. Having a dedicated work time/ space to work is crucial. You need time to work that is prioritized and uninterrupted. Also, you need to have a strong work ethic and the ability to follow through with dates and deadlines. The biggest struggle for me is multitasking all the factors of life, while still putting out quality work. Regardless, when things come together and I get into a show or sell work, It gives me a very satisfying feeling and it is well worth the grind to see my goals progress.

Please tell us more about your art.
I strive to paint visual representations of mental health phenomena. My paintings take what is underneath the surface of one’s psyche and bring it out into the open. I want to increase awareness of mental health issues while providing my audience a visual guide to what experiencing mental illness can be like.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I had to start over, I would have started applying to art shows sooner. When I was younger, I was always scared my work wouldn’t be good enough or that I would not have enough time to be in the show. Now I realize that having a deadline gives you the push to crank out better work and to stay motivated. Even if you are crunched for time, having a specific obligation to have work done always put things in a different perspective. As an artist, I am always worried about if my work isn’t good enough, but there’s a positive aspect to that feeling. That constant pressure makes you want to progress and create the best work possible. It’s always better to be on your toes at all times than be complacent and comfortable.

Contact Info:

• Phone: (470) 808 0270
• Email: benhunsinger@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benjamin_hunsinger_art/

Image Credit:
Benjamin Hunsinger

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