Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Benjamin Long. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Benjamin, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

What is happy, really? Every life has its ups and downs, moments of tragedy and bliss. Career-wise, unless you’re one of the lucky few that gets discovered early, it’s going to be a struggle. But success doesn’t guarantee overall happiness either, of course.

Every choice that you make precludes all other options. Like many others, I’ve had jobs off and on to support art making. None of these paid well (to put it mildly) or were career type jobs. (Unfortunately I have no desire or aptitude for teaching, which is how a lot of artists I know support themselves.) Naturally I’ve wondered what it’s like to make a good steady income; to have benefits, insurance, and paid vacation. These things are foreign to me and I’ll never experience them. It’s difficult to keep making work on spec. It’s difficult to not get paid for most of the work that you do.

There is a romantic notion that an artist isn’t concerned with these matters; that the creating is reward enough. That may be true for some, and more power to them. Practical matters do intrude, though. And exposure and sales are a kind of reward for the time expended. I make the work for it to be seen. When someone appreciates it enough to buy it and live with it… well, that’s the highest compliment.

I could probably make the kind of work that would sell more easily but it wouldn’t be authentic. So I’ve set myself up for a struggle with my own choices. I will say that when having a job isn’t necessary, that being your own boss with your own schedule is a benefit of unknowable value. Everything in life is a trade-off.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

In school I first expected to do a commercial art / illustration kind of path but ended up in fine arts. I guess I have a restless mind and eye as my work has changed over the years… a range of painting drawing, sculpture, and a combination of those things. But it’s mostly been painting, or at least that’s how I see it.

Other artists have told me that I use color well, and that there don’t seem to be obvious precedents in my work, which is nice to hear.

I have the opinion visual art should stand on its own and I’ve grown weary of work that relies too much on an agenda, or a theory, or that needs a lot of writing to support it. A visual language is not easily translated, and if many words are required, maybe art isn’t the best way to express it.

I’ve exhibited in many venues over the years, coast to coast, although primarily in the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions. Since 1991 Philadelphia has been where I live and work.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

What society can do is teach art history in schools to generate appreciation for art because our culture is unfortunately really lacking in that. This would hopefully lead to more interest and experience in really SEEING; going to more exhibitions and performances, and buying more art.

Can you share your view on NFTs? (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

NFTs seem to have already peaked unless I’m mistaken, which I could be since I don’t pay that much attention. Fads come and go, but there seems to be a persistent human need for physical objects.

Contact Info:

• Website: benjaminlong.com
• Instagram: snowman_on_the_moon
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/benjamin-long-b14958149/

Image Credits
portrait photo credit: Berrisford Boothe