Today we’d like to introduce you to Ben Roseland
Hi Ben, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey as an artist has been anything but linear, and it’s shaped me into who I am today. I graduated with a B.A. in Fine Arts from the Columbus College of Art & Design in 2005, but my love for art began long before that. As a child, I was always drawn to art and creativity, and this passion fueled my dream of becoming an artist.
After college, I spent nearly two decades honing my skills and exploring complementary trades, such as conservation picture framing, which deepened my appreciation for craftsmanship and precision. Yet, painting has always been my true calling. Over the years, I developed a distinctive style influenced by impressionists like Monet, Van Gogh, and Seurat, but with my own contemporary twist. My signature block paintings, characterized by vibrant colors, bold brushstrokes, and three-dimensional elements, have become the cornerstone of my work.
Today, I’m living my dream as a working artist, exhibiting my work at shows across the United States. I love using my art to transform spaces and inspire others. I feel truly blessed to share my journey and passion with the world.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road hasn’t been smooth, and I’ve faced some significant challenges along the way. I’ve experienced the usual rejection that all artists face. I also had a failed business venture when I opened an art gallery with the wrong business partner. These moments tested my resolve and pushed me to grow in ways I hadn’t anticipated.
The biggest challenge came in 2021 when, at the age of 38, I survived a widowmaker heart attack with cardiac arrest. It left me in very bad shape—bedridden and questioning my future. During that time, I lost my creative spark and wondered if I’d ever create art again. Recovery was grueling, both physically and mentally, but through determination, lifestyle changes, and a renewed focus on health, I not only regained my strength but also rediscovered my inspiration.
Since then, I’ve created the best work of my career, earning awards at prestigious art fairs and forming meaningful connections with audiences in ways I never imagined. These experiences have given me a renewed sense of purpose and the confidence to face any challenge. I believe my story shows that resilience can lead to extraordinary transformations.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work focuses on creating vibrant, nature-inspired paintings that transform spaces and inspire a sense of wonder. I specialize in a style I call “block paintings,” distinguished by bold colors, heavy brushstrokes, and three-dimensional elements. Each piece is composed of multiple wooden blocks, mounted at varying depths to enhance perspective and create a dynamic, interactive experience. As viewers move around my artwork, the shifting depth and angles make you feel as if you are standing within the scene, offering new ways to connect with the piece.
I’m most proud of how my art resonates with people. Many have shared that my work feels original and unlike anything they’ve seen before. It often evokes feelings of nostalgia or connection, reminding viewers of places they’ve been or moments they’ve cherished. Recently, I was honored to win several awards at prestigious art fairs, including “Best of Painting” at the 2024 Deerfield Art Festival in Deerfield, IL. While these recognitions affirm the impact of my work, what matters most to me is how it brings joy and meaning to those who experience it.
What sets me apart is the unique combination of painting and craftsmanship in my process. Each piece involves both artistic and structural elements: I design, cut, and paint each block, then assemble them to create the finished work. I use the perspective of the landscape to guide the placement of each block, creating a sense of depth and dimension. This meticulous approach results in a tactile, three-dimensional quality that invites viewers to explore the artwork from every angle. Additionally, my vibrant use of color and bold brushstrokes brings a contemporary twist to the impressionist influences that inspire me.
Ultimately, my goal is to create artwork that is original, sparks conversation, lifts spirits, and invites reflection. Whether it’s transforming a room with one of my paintings or inspiring someone to see the beauty in the world around them, I feel incredibly fortunate to share my passion with others.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is inspiring people. As an artist, I want to create amazing and unique artwork that resonates deeply. I strive to make pieces that are not only visually captivating but also emotionally meaningful—work that transforms spaces, sparks conversation, and leaves a lasting impression.
On a personal level, resilience and gratitude are what matter most to me. Surviving my heart attack and the challenges that came with it profoundly changed my perspective. It taught me to value my health, relationships, and the opportunity to pursue my passion every day. I feel a deep sense of responsibility to make the most of this second chance at life and to use my journey to inspire others to overcome their own challenges.
Ultimately, it’s about leaving a positive mark—through the artwork I create, the people I connect with, and the lessons I can share from my experiences. Life is fleeting, and I want to ensure that what I do matters, inspires others, and brings light to the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.benroselandart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benroseland
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/benroselandart
