"For me; art is responding impulsively to the now, a flow-state, escapism. Working in this way, uninhibited by process or practice, means unbound creative freedom and possibilities."
Bradford based artist, designer & musician Ben Holden is renowned for his bold, bright and vibrant abstract works; composing form, collage, photography, mark-making, drawing & painting, line & colour, experimenting with mixed media; intuitively informed by the subjects he is studying.
The bold aesthetic of a varied CMYK palette (cyan, magenta, yellow and black) are often used in his work linking to his print heritage, creating punchy palettes and expressive marks for dynamic work, contrasting elements to ignite emotional connections, light, joy and playfulness — which he feels we need more of in a dark world.
I love print & paint, taking on commissions or work that speaks to me. I make popping art prints you can BUY HERE. With a background of over 20 years in the graphic design and print industry, I tend to seek out the more meaningful, joyful work these days. I particularly enjoy making BIG ART in the public realm, painting murals, walls, things, but can bend and flex to take on unique projects dependent on requirements, time and budgets.
‘The Dancing Line’
Expressive biomorphic squiggly lines often appear in my work, creating a visual language, connecting together colour and form. I believe this comes from a childhood love of Saturday morning cartoons and comic book style drawing, bold lines and graphics, old Technicolour film, comforting nostalgic hues and textures. Tying in graphical elements akin to moiré (the dots you see close up in printing) and pop style aesthetic. Creating movement and energy, a sense of fun and excitement. Form and colour to bring joy and feel good. I love to use this process in paint too, layering up textures and adding bold expressive brush strokes, creating energy and movement.
Art for Everyone.
Why 'BJ The Bear'? I hear you ask...
When my mother was pregnant with me in 1980, she liked to watch an american TV show called 'BJ and The Bear' — like a rip-off Every Which Way But Loose and Cannonball Run, which dates it! Hence 'Benjamin James' and a pretty good art pseudonym, I thought ... and it stuck!
