Taking inspiration from nature and organic form Ben's work explores the unseen connections between all living things, the environment and mental wellbeing. To date much of his work has been representational and inspired by the grown environment championing the often overlooked flora and fungi beneath our feet. In recent years Ben has turned to a more abstract approach exploring folklore, spirituality, ritual and symbolism as a means to express a love and respect for our natural world. Through his sculptures he attempts to harness the healing power of nature and encourage a deeper connection to self.
Ben Russell is an award winning classically trained craftsperson with over 20 years experience working with stone. His background in architectural stone carving saw him help to restore historic palaces, facades and monuments throughout London which gave him a deep rooted connection to the age old techniques of working stone in a traditional manner. Ben now uses these hard earned skills alongside modern techniques to create hand crafted natural stone sculptures for the home and garden.
Working with marble, alabaster, onyx and with a particular fondness for our fabulous UK limestones Ben draws from his deep pool of knowledge and technical skills returning to the steady rhythm of the hammer and chisel at every opportunity. Blurring the line between the traditional and the contemporary, his work plays with light and shadow and celebrates the tool marks and textures that only the skilled human hand can achieve. These tooled surfaces are to Ben, representative of the fingerprints or DNA of the maker..
Since his debut solo show with Hignell Gallery in 2017 Ben has exhibited regularly at galleries, exhibitions and events around the UK. He has featured frequently within popular publications and national press and his work has gained recognition with many a nature loving art enthusiast with work held in private collections throughout the UK, Europe, the USA and Asia.
Alongside his own work Ben runs The Dorset Stone Carver where he takes on commissioned stonework. With his TDSC hat on Ben has worked with artists, architects, interior/landscape designers and individuals and applies his rich pool of knowledge and respect for materials to every project in order to achieve his clients exacting standards. He also runs beginner stone carving courses from his yard based upon a sustainably run 500 acre farm in Dorset helping to preserve stone carving as an important traditional skill for years to come.
Work is available to purchase directly or via selected galleries and group exhibitions. Ben also works with interior designers either through the sale of existing sculptures or specially commissioned pieces to suit the style and budget of the project in hand. Please do get in touch if this is of interest to you or your business.
'I use carving not only as a way to express myself and connect with nature but as a means to stay sane. Wherever possible I return to the age old methods of carving with a hammer and chisel.'
For available sculptures or queries regarding a commission please visit the contact page
Click here for past and upcoming exhibitions
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Visit the blog page for current projects or connect with Ben on Instagram
You can also check out videos on Bens YouTube channel
