Today we’d like to introduce you to Ben Heller.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Ben. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
As an artist, my mother has been my biggest influence. I remember studying her drawings as a kid, admiring her illustration skills. Growing up, I would draw constantly but as I grew older art seemed to fall by the wasteside. Sports and my social life seemed to be much more important through high school years. When I attended college, I originally wanted to peruse a career in hospitality. While taking an art elective, my teacher strongly insisted that I switch my major to graphic design as he saw I could excel in an artistic field… so I did. Even though, I graduated with a graphic design degree it was very obvious that I would not pursue any career in graphic design. The thought of sitting at a desk, working on a computer all day sounded like a nightmare. During college, after I switched my major I had another professor who was an amazing painter who inspired me to pick up the brush. Up until this point, I had never painted before, strictly illustrations. This teacher reignited my passion far art but still it was just a hobby, I never looked at it as a viable career option.
A dear friend of mine who runs a night club/concert venue in Fort Lauderdale hosts an artwalk once a month. He simply said “I have a spot for you this month, take all the work you have laying around your house and bring it down… simply show up”… so I did. To my surprise, I sold quite a bit. I didn’t make thousand of dollars however, I had some good success and with that a light bulb went off, “ hey, maybe I can turn this into something.” Shortly after, with my limited success, it gave me the confidence to approach a gallery and to my surprise again, he welcomed me in with open arms. This was officially the beginning of my art career. The simple fact that this man gave me the opportunity to show in his gallery gave me the confidence to pursue other art endeavors. Quickly, after I approached a women who hosted a local farmers market and asked if I could join. This was a market with no artist and no room. She didn’t have space for me but I insisted that I could find room if she would give me the chance, and she did. At this market is where I met who is now a dear friend, Amber who commissioned me to do a painting for her. At the time, I didn’t realize it would be the beginning of a long friendship and much more.
Months later, possibly a year I received a message from Amber about a co-working business her and her business partner were trying to set up in which she wanted me to be the resident artist. We met at a space she was looking into, completely raw and gutted and she explained her vision, I saw it as she did. Before I knew it, I had my own studio space and just like that in went from painting in my house to a legitimate artist or so, I thought.
At this point, I was consistently doing commissions for people I met at the market and working for the gallery in Key Largo. During this time, due to an excessive amount of painting, I transformed as an artist. Experimenting with many styles and mediums I developed a style and position in the art world but most importantly the confidence to pursue my passion. Still, I am working a day job, full time and painting at night. The dream, obviously, to be able to quite my job and pursue art full time however, I wasn’t convinced I could make it work. When I would sit down and go over what I would need to do financially, I simply wasn’t making enough money to give myself the opportunity to quite my job. I was discouraged and questioning myself and skills as an artist. Am I good enough? Do people like my work? Is all this work even worth my time? All these questions stemming from fear have hindered my ability to make. Real attempt as a full time artist.
My present and current situation is that I am still working a day job, however, I have committed that is will be done with this “job” and pursue my career in June 2018. I am scared and nervous but I know it’s a chance I have to take. It’s a decision I’ve been battling with for sometime now and it’s about committing and really going for it. As I sit here, scared and fearful of the future I am equally excited to really pursue exactly what it is that I love to do.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I believe as far as what I’m producing the biggest struggles are within. I am generally not happy with anything I create. I appreciate feedback from people because Without the feedback, I’d probably throw everything in the trash.
Without a doubt my biggest challenge has been managing the time to be in the studio while working a full time job. The daily grind has taken a toll on me. A lot of early mornings in the studio before work followed by late evenings after work have tested me physically and mentally. Trying to stay motivated when so much of my time is working a job in which I have little motivation to continue is challenging.
Booboosketch Fine Art – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My company is simply myself. I am an artist. I create wall hanging artwork using multiple mediums. I love to paint in many different styles and in many different mediums. I try to be as well rounded an artist as I can do I am constantly trying out new techniques and styles. Lately and where I have found my most success is a pouring technique with resin and paint mixed together.
I’m most proud of the fact that people purchase my work giving me the ability to earn a living doing what I love. The fact that someone will spend their hard earned money on something I created is something I’m very grateful for. Also, receiving a photo or see it hung live is the cherry on top! That really makes me happy.
I believe my creativity sets me apart. There are thousands of great artist out there but I see a lot of people style really blending together. I don’t believe there’s enough creativity and originality in the art community.
Contact Info:
- Website: Booboosketch@gmail.com
- Phone: 5616133266
- Email: booboosketch@gmail.com
- Instagram: Booboosketch
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