Exploring The Intersection Of Creativity, Culture, And Compassion
Zac Benson discusses his artistic journey, the influence of faith and global cultures on his work, and his commitment to creating art that resonates universally.
Zac Benson stands as a testament to the transformative power of art, both in its creation and its impact on the world. An internationally acclaimed artist, Benson’s work has graced galleries and public spaces across the globe, from Taiwan and Bulgaria to New York City and Washington, D.C. His art is a profound exploration of the intersection between personal faith, societal engagement, and the human experience. With a B.F.A. in sculpture from The University of Tennessee and an M.F.A. in Studio Art from The University of Maryland, Benson’s journey has been one of relentless dedication and evolution. Today, as an Assistant Professor of Studio Art at Anderson University, he continues to inspire the next generation of artists while pushing the boundaries of his own creative practice.
In this exclusive interview for Reader’s House Magazine, Benson opens up about the inspirations and challenges that have shaped his career. From the cultural influences of his international exhibitions to the deeply personal motivations behind his most memorable public commissions, he offers a candid look into the life of an artist committed to making a difference. Benson’s advice for aspiring artists is both practical and profound, emphasising the importance of craftsmanship, storytelling, and resilience. Above all, his work is a reminder that art is not just a reflection of the self but a bridge to understanding and empathy in an increasingly complex world. Join us as we delve into the mind and heart of an artist whose work resonates far beyond the confines of the studio.
Can you share the inspiration behind your journey as an international artist and how it has shaped your creative process?
It has been a long journey, full of ups and downs, but I have loved every minute of it. The biggest thing the journey has taught me is to give everything I have to make the Artwork be what it needs to be. If the concept needs it, do it! This journey has also taught me who I am. Making Art has changed who I am. It has made me a better person, a better human being in all facets of my life. But I have allowed it to change me. My work has made me a better husband, father, neighbor, co-worker, etcetera because I have allowed my deepest passion to be a central pillar in my studio, the fact that I am a Christ follower. I would encourage all artists to find their deepest passion in life and allow it to collaborate with them in their studio. It will not only transform your Artwork, but it will also transform you!
You’ve showcased your work in diverse locations like NYC, Taiwan, and Bulgaria. How do these different cultural contexts influence your art?
My work deals with contemporary issues and how I navigate those issues using my faith. Because I have been blessed to show in different countries, it has allowed me to understand issues that others are facing and start to create work about those issues. These opportunities have allowed me to understand issues that are happening around the globe, issues that I have come to have deep empathy for and want to speak to them through my studio practice.
What has been your most memorable public commission project, and what made it stand out for you?
The piece entitled ‘Looking at Life Through Rose-Colored Glasses’ has been my most significant piece I have made to date. This piece was a conceptual turning point for me. I was in graduate school at the University of Maryland, and I was not happy with where my studio was. My artwork was not engaging or speaking to the viewer. They would briefly glance at my work on the wall and quickly walk to the next. This really bothered me. I knew that my work was not engaging the viewer in any capacity. That is when I made the big leap. I was going to make conceptually heavy work about topics that concerned me. This piece was the first piece after I made that transition. I started relying on materiality and titles to help carry these heavy, sometimes controversial, concepts. In the end, I noticed viewers starting to investigate my work further, staying at each piece longer, and wanting to have a dialogue about the concepts. Thankfully, even after ten years, I am still in the place and loving every moment!
As an artist with a global presence, what advice would you give to aspiring artists looking to expand their reach internationally?
Four things: create well crafted, well thought-out artwork because craftsmanship is king. Always think about the viewer, your audience, when making a piece of artwork, because in the end, that is who it is for. Draw the viewer in by telling them a story, an interesting conceptual story. Lastly, apply, apply, apply…to everything!
Your work has been showcased internationally, including in NYC, Taiwan, and Bulgaria. How do you approach creating art that resonates across such diverse audiences?
That is a tough question to answer but I always come back to we are all humans. We all struggle, we all cry, we all laugh and love, and my studio practice encompasses all that. I try to talk about the human experience; the good and the bad. Sometimes the bad is really hard to talk about, much less trying to encapsulate all of that in a piece of Art. In the end though, I deeply care about people, who they are and what they are going through!
A question I get a lot about my studio practice is why I care and make work about these issues. My answer is two-fold. First and foremost, I am a Christ follower and that guides me in everything that I do, including my studio. Because of this, I have deep empathy for all people, no matter the situation or the person. Secondly, I have stuttered all my life and that has been a very challenging part of my life. I have been mocked and laughed at, but I have also been encouraged and loved on due to my stuttering. I want to care for people who have been in hard spots like I have myself. I want them to know that someone cares!
