Get to know the artist

Influence & Inspiration

Ben’s designs are deeply influenced by a close-knit circle of confidants, family and friends who continue to inspire his creative direction. Their support often encourages him to explore new ideas and venture into uncharted territories in his work.

His connection to natural materials began in childhood, wandering the swamps and bogs of the Corlough mountains in County Cavan, Ireland. These early experiences were followed by a traditional woodworking education under several skilled tutors in Sutton Coldfield, in the West Midlands of the UK.

Ben later took on an apprenticeship restoring and sailing vintage wooden yachts in the Caribbean, where he also worked as a deckhand. This was followed by several formative years training under shipwrights in Brighton Marina. There, he became familiar with modern resins and the universal shaping techniques required in boatbuilding.

In an unexpected turn, he reversed these principles, from crafting vessels to repel water to building concrete forms that hold it in. This transition led him to construction projects that helped shape the skylines of London and beyond. During this period, he often traded the urban sprawl for tracking expeditions through the savannah and bushland of the Zambezi escarpment in Southern Africa.

Throughout his journey, his hands were never far from wood, nature’s gift that continues to shape his creativity. Having left full-time construction to pursue his artistic passions, wood now dominates his work. His current designs are crafted from reclaimed and discarded timber, along with found materials gathered from still waters.

Ben now focuses on commissions and the sale of original pieces. He’s always happy to chat, whether you’re considering a custom sculpture or exploring a collaborative project.