We recently connected with Benjamin Ross and have shared our conversation below.
Benjamin, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
Resilience, something that is always hard to maintain, I hold mine to a few things. We grew up in one of the not so privileged towns in Australia, Frankston North. A place that halfway houses were most of the population.
We weren’t better off as my parents had a set of twins and our little sister all before the ages of 24. We didn’t have much as mum stayed home to look after us and dad was always out working hard, but we did have a-lot of love.
I would say I get my hard work ethic from that time. Seeing dad always working, seeing mum work for free to then be one of the best paid office assistants in the state, we always knew we would have to work hard for a life.
My later years, I was a builder – AFL player – Defence force member, all things you had to work hard to get anywhere in life, the patience, the work ethic, the always showing up. things that actually help so much in the art world.
I guess to answer the question simply all these life experiences really help build the man I am today, the Resilience to get in, put the head down and focus on some money to roll in to make sure I keep doing what I love.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
In 2019, I commenced my artistic journey following an extensive period in the construction industry. I experienced severe depression and sought an escape, leading him to embark on a surf trip to Mexico. It was during this trip that I discovered a profound appreciation for the vibrant pastel hues showcased in each of his designs. Subsequently, I dedicated myself to depicting themes of summer, love, and happiness in my artwork. His intention is to captivate viewers, allowing them to momentarily lose themselves within my pieces as a temporary respite from the burdens of life.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I would say the best Quality to have as an artist, If you want to make money off your art that is. Would be the willingness to put your self out there, ask the brands you want to work with. Reach out to galleries that you’d love to hang your pieces in.
The main thing as an artist that everyone should do, would be to find your niche. Paint something like no one else is doing. Something that people can look at your art and think yep thats a Ben Ross Piece.
Most of all, work hard. Email… Instagram… Post non stop, build your audience in as many ways as possible.
It sucks this is the world we live in now where you have to be famous to make something, but it works. Its easier than it ever was.
Good luck.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
Be there, support me through each and every one of my endeavours. Always supporting, when life gets hard, they are always there.
The best thing to do as a parent isn’t telling someone how to do it, just when that fails to be there with arms wide open.
I love my folks.
Contact Info:
- Website: benross.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benross_art/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/benrossart
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-ross-4256161b0/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/BenRossArt1
