Who is Benjamin Lavender and why...?

                                 Reclaimed Objects sculpture by Benjamin Lavender
                                 IMAGES ARE COPYRIGHT PROTECTED



Hello All,

The continuum of the title above would appropriately be captioned, "Who is Benjamin Lavender and Why are People saying Wonderful Things about Him?"  Well, frankly speaking, he hails from the artistic and musical city of Austin, Texas, and judging by his striking and unusual work, is not like anyone you have ever known.  My chest swelled with pride after finding out that Benjamin comes from my old "stomping grounds" of Texas.  Down there, we have a saying, "They grow 'em tall in Texas".

Not having had the pleasure of meeting Benjamin yet, I have to say, "I don't know how tall he actually is, but his found and reclaimed objects sculptures make him TALL in my book any day."  Just take a gander at this one entitled, "Tap Root".

                       "Tap Root", reclaimed objects sculpture by Benjamin Lavender
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Benjamin earned his Associates of Fine Art from Watkins College of Fine Arts and Design in Nashville, Tennessee, winning first place in ceramics and second place in sculpture during his exiting student show.  He then moved to San Diego, California where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in sculpture at San Diego State University in 2003.  Benjamin soon established himself in local art groups and began doing solo art exhibitions in the surrounding area.  And, no wonder with the kind of  work he produces.  It certainly isn't difficult to be impressed with Benjamin's imagination and meticulous attention to detail as he applies them within the frame of his work.  And, one must appreciate his usage of recycled and reclaimed objects from nature and industry, thereby contributing to environ continuity and preservation of the planet.

                 "Tap Root" (detail) reclaimed objects sculpture by Benjamin Lavender
                 IMAGES ARE COPYRIGHT PROTECTED


The San Diego Sculptors Guild in Studio 36, located in Spanish Village Art Center at Balboa Park is proud to present Benjamin Lavender as their featured artist for the month of May, 2012.  The opening reception for Benjamin's month-long show is charted for May 5, 2012 from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. in celebration of Benjamin and Cinco de Mayo.  True to tradition, SDSG will host a meet and greet with Benjamin in the gallery and sculpture garden resplendent with mariachis, sangria and appetizers in the Spanish flavor of Cinco de Mayo.  The guild and Benjamin invite you all to come on down, enjoy the celebration and meet the artist.  We may expect to see one of Benjamin's monumental pieces on the patio at Spanish Village Art Center in the near future.

Benjamin's art reflects his lifelong fascination with the growth and erosion of nature.  Of himself and his work, Benjamin says, "Abstract Naturism is an appropriate way to describe my work, as well as industrially-organic.  Both define the outcome of mimicking nature through intense hours of manipulating metal, concrete, paint and found or reclaimed objects into organically formed art." 

 

                      "Lost and Found", found objects sculpture by Benjamin Lavender
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So folks, there you have it...Benjamin Lavender, "walking TALL" from Austin, Texas to San Diego, California which he now claims as home.  However, being from Texas reminds me of another of those great Texas sayings (there's millions of them, by the way...you "oldies" will remember this one.), " I'll give a Texan's share!"  I think Benjamin Lavender has definitely given "a Texan's share", and then some in his artwork.  And, I'll put money on it to boot..."People will be saying Wonderful Things about Him" for a very long time!


For more information about Benjamin Lavender peruse his website at: http://www.benjaminlavender.com. or inquire at the San Diego Sculptors Guild, studio 36, 11:00 - 4:00 p.m. daily.


Written and posted by Cassandra Shepard, Studio 32
All images, text and content copyrighted, 2012, all rights reserved

"The Warrior"...Metaphorically Speaking

                                  "The Warrior", totem sculpture by Sergey Gornushkin
                                  IMAGES ARE COPYRIGHT PROTECTED



Hello All,

It's rotation time on the Spanish Village Art Center patio, and installation of "The Warrior", a contemporary totem sculpture by Sergey Gornushkin is the topic of the day.  Sergey Gornushkin you will remember from a previous blog, "The Incredible Public Art of Sergey Gornushkin", posted 2/20/12, has mounted his contemporary totem on our patio to further his promotion of public art for the people.  Well, "power to the people" and power to Sergey!  (I know, I know.  I'm showing my generation.)  Just couldn't help myself.

Sergey's work supports that kind of whimsy in the mind, and surely makes one smile.  Just take a look at Monique Straub (Spanish Village's premier pastel artist) standing next to the sculpture.  I'd say she's got that "look of love" wouldn't you?  Maybe, "...she's holding on for a hero, totem, hero..."  You know it's all the same, metaphorically speaking.

                                Monique Straub, pastel artist admiring "The Warrior"
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Sergey is president of the San Diego Sculptors Guild in studio 36.  You can find him there several days a week, and certainly on hand for every art opening in the gallery and sculpture garden.  Of "The Warrior", Sergey says," It is a contemporary totem sculpture which depicts the themes and metaphors of various indigenous peoples."

So, Spanish Village Art Center invites you to drop in and see "The Warrior".  All metaphors aside, he is mighty to behold and very good for your spirit!  Who knows, maybe you will be inspired, after all, to "stand tall like a totem" and feel his power.  The Warrior won't mind...


Written and posted by Cassandra Shepard, Studio 32
All images, text and content copyrighted, 2012, all rights reserved