Artist Corner: Ben Ross
By Kate Love
Join us as we embark on a vibrant and heartfelt journey into the world of artist Ben Ross. From his roots in the construction industry to his blossoming career as a mural and digital artist, Ben's story demonstrates the transformative power of passion and perseverance. In this exclusive interview, we delve into the motivations behind his artistic odyssey, the influences that shape his distinctive style and the profound impact of his work on those who encounter it. Get ready to be inspired by Ben's colourful narrative and the boundless creativity that fuels his artistry.
“Everyone is fighting their own battles, everyone is struggling in some part of life, and if I can make one person having a bad day smile, I know that I’m doing something good with my art. ”
Can you share more about your transition from the construction industry to becoming an artist? What motivated this change and how did your experiences during your surf trip to Mexico influence your artistic journey?
Yes of course, so I was a carpenter for 10 years living on the Mornington Peninsula, Melbourne. I then completed my builders qualifications, and moved up to Sydney and worked as a landscape builder, absolutely loved it. Now I’ve always drawn, since I was a spec of a kid, when I wasn’t playing AFL I was drawing. While I was a builder I owned an art and surf clothing brand with my brother so I was always drawing when I finished work anyway.
I fell into a real deep hole of depression due to some life situations, and I ended up hating my job, so I quit and went to a Mexico and the USA with my brother, partner and best friend. It was there I fell in love with the pastel colours - if you haven't been, Mexico is the street art capital, almost every inch of Mexico City is painted in beautiful murals. Most beautiful city in the world.
I was losing money due to how expensive the USA was, so I needed to make some dough to support the rest of the trip, and this is where I jumped into art to sell and hopefully make some pocket money - since then, I’ve never looked back.
Your artwork is often described as capturing themes of summer, love and happiness. How do you translate these emotions into your murals and digital art? Can you walk us through your creative process and how you infuse your personal experiences into your work?
Well thank you, you’ve hit the head of the nail, and that’s just it with art - it’s so hard to inarticulate through art, and what you’ve asked I’m obviously doing something right! It is hard to transfer the love onto canvas, especially without drawing emotions on my caricatures, but how I do this really speaks to the soft colours I use, nothing too harsh, a lot of pastel pinks, blues and yellow which to me speaks beach and love. I’m a romantic by heart, I love ‘love’ and I try to bring that into every piece I paint or draw.
You mention drawing inspiration from Mexico, the 70s flavour of the Californian coast and the Byron Bay vibe. How do these cultural influences manifest in your art? Are there specific elements or motifs from these regions and eras that you consciously incorporate into your designs?
In all honesty, Mexico is the greatest place I have been: the pastel colours, the flowers and the love all stem from Mexico. I grew up watching Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Dazed and Confused, Point Break - all my caricatures are based off these types of movies, the skinny surf rats, the beautiful beach babes, just guys that want to surf all day and drink margaritas and make love.
Growing up around the surf and the sun, Byron always steps into my mind as Byron is Australia all wrapped up into a beach, the sun, the waves and good vibes and smiles.
So every new paint, I write these values into the piece. If the pieces resonates with my values then I’ll paint it.
As a mural and digital artist, you've had the opportunity to work around the globe. How has traveling and experiencing different cultures impacted your artistic style and perspective? Are there any memorable moments or encounters from your travels that have significantly influenced your work?
To be honest, not really. A lot of the times I do paint abroad I try to bring the that country or place’s heritage into the work. But ultimately not really, the coolest thing I love about my art and style is that everyone can put themselves into the piece. I remember this one mural, and I had little kids running around saying that was them on the mural. So that was cool to see that people can put themselves into my murals.
Your intention with your artwork is to provide viewers with a temporary respite from the burdens of life, allowing them to momentarily lose themselves within your pieces. How do you hope your art impacts those who interact with it and what do you ultimately aim to evoke or communicate through your creations?
Ultimately, all I want from my art is for people to look at my pieces and feel that life isn’t that bad - my art grew from a dark place inside of me. When I wasn’t myself, I used these caricatures as an escape, and that’s what I would love from my art. If you look at one of my painted pieces, there are a lot of hidden colours, details within the piece, so that the deeper you look the more you’ll be taken away from life in that moment.
Everyone is fighting their own battles, everyone is struggling in some part of life, and if I can make one person having a bad day smile, I know that I’m doing something good with my art. We lose to many people through suicide and I was almost one of them - I just hope my art changes that one day.
About Ben Ross
In 2019, Ben commenced his artistic journey following an extensive period in the construction industry. Ben experienced severe depression and sought an escape, leading him to embark on a surf trip to Mexico. It was during this trip that Ben discovered a profound appreciation for the vibrant pastel hues showcased in each of his designs.
Subsequently, Ben dedicated himself to depicting themes of summer, love and happiness in his artwork. His intention is to captivate viewers, allowing them to momentarily lose themselves within his pieces as a temporary respite from the burdens of life.