Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelley Benes.
Hi Kelley, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Hi! Thanks for interviewing me again!
I think most artists answer the same way–I’ve always been an artist. It is true!–however, I haven’t always been creating in the way I am now. I didn’t start my sculptural work until around five years ago. I took a lot of time off [from creating] between art school and now–traveling, working, and doing all the other things in life that make me happy and inspire my work.
I studied printmaking and bookmaking in college–I never imagined I would work so three-dimensionally later in life. A chance encounter with learning taxidermy [which I still practice now!] later on really sparked my sculptural career. It is the perfect blend of art and science, and I think my sculptural work represents that unique marriage.
Now, I feel so lucky that I get to tinker around in my studio, create things that make people laugh, and hopefully make the world just a bit lighter.
The world needs more laughter for sure. So, do you think you are able to do this becuase it’s been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Yes and no. Putting your work out there, selling your work, marketing and promoting yourself–being an artist these days, essentially you are running your own business, and probably doing it all. So, no, that is not a smooth road–haha. I have no interest in many of these aspects of running a business so the learning curve is huge–I am great at making teeth look very real, but not so great at understanding social media analytics or maintaining a website, ha.
On the other hand, how lucky am I? I try to look at the big picture. I made the decision to do this, I love sharing my work with people, so these are just minor things I need to do or learn to make that happen. I mean ultimately you just do it, and looking at it that way makes the road feel a lot smoother. It is all for the joy of creating, so I try not to put too much weight on the struggles.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My artwork, as I mentioned before, is really inspired by my work as a taxidermist. I am so moved by the natural world and its surrealist palette. My work really expands on that in a very absurdist way. Hopefully, it makes people laugh or feel some bit of joy.
I use waste materials that include food waste, donations from museums and educational institutions, and leftover store stock donations. All of the man-made found objects that I use are thrifted and given a new life. It is really important to me to incorporate as much reuse as possible in my artwork.
Working on a small scale is maybe what I would say my specialty is, generally. It’s hard on the hands, but I’ve always been good at tinkering with small bits and bobbles.
I am pretty proud of the fact that I put my work out there in the first place. I am a private person, so taking that step was a big deal to me. I am also very proud of the volunteer work that I do as an artist for the Natural History Museum. I feel immensely lucky to be a part of the dedicated volunteer team that assists in updating, restoring, and improving the exhibits in the diorama halls.
What sets you apart from others?–I am not sure I like to look at it that way. Every artist, every person, is just on their own journey. We are all so different, so it is impossible to compare.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important thing I have learned is to never take myself too seriously. When I don’t take time to zoom out and see things for what they are, it is easy to get caught up in the small stuff. I enjoy laughing, so I always try to make sure I am still doing so as a part of my process.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.beansofjohn.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beansofjohn/?hl=en
