Benjamin Herbert | Artist

Statement
My work primarily focuses on capturing mood and atmosphere, especially the subtle nuances of dawn and evening's low light. I am drawn to these quiet times of day, finding inspiration in seeing, feeling, and painting their essence. Using earthy neutral colors along with dynamic lines and marks, I strive to create harmony and balance that prompts the viewer to pause and reflect. 

Process
I paint instinctively and intuitively, often mixing colors directly on the canvas. My approach is highly physical, involving vigorous reworking to build up layers of color and texture with my hands, brush, and palette knife. This process includes scraping away and hand-sculpting the surface, allowing me to explore unexpected directions and capture the essence of a feeling, moment, or place. Patience, restraint, and risk are equally important in my process, enabling me to remain open to all emerging possibilities.

Inspiration
The landscape and light of Cape Ann profoundly inspire me. I am captivated by the color fields of water, granite rock, marsh grasses, beach, and sky. Living by the sea, I am particularly drawn to the unique, salty, milky light that imparts a hazy quality to everything, a quality I aspire to capture in my work. My father's wisdom also influences me—he often reminds me that painting need not have a big, complicated idea behind it; it's about the shapes and always about the light.

My Wish for the Viewer
Through my art, I aim to provide a sense of escapism that is both serene and liberating. My hope is that the viewer feels a sense of calmness, exploring while losing themselves in the colors, textures, and expressive marks of my work, serving as a reminder of the beauty and wonder in the world. Ultimately, I wish for my pieces to inspire and challenge the viewer, offering something beautiful to engage with.