BENNETT | Late Bloomer

Bennett is a UK born, self-taught street artist who spent most of his childhood in Sydney.  After lots of experimenting with trial and error over the years, he has managed to develop his own style he describes as "contemporary post-punk and street influenced mash-ups."

Bennett's interest in art came much later in life, after he finished school and was studying graphic design. "I started to develop an interest in art making as a reaction to my studies. The formalities and restrictions of design pushed me towards painting as an outlet rather than anything else. It was something I could do just for me and no other reason, I didn’t have to follow a brief or conform to certain guidelines. I created images for the joy of creating them and the personal satisfaction," he explained.

Inspiration for Bennett comes from the other artists around him. "The work ethic and desire of others really pushes you as an artist, when you see your peers developing and pushing the boundaries regularly it makes you want to do the same and strive to be your best and produce quality and unique work."

Subject matter for Bennett is rarely premeditated and nearly always spontaneous and free flowing in its creation. He feels it's more about letting the image create itself and have things coming together naturally as opposed to forcing or pushing an idea or theme into an artwork using a ‘certain’ imagery. "I have collected books, magazines, receipts, stickers, ripped posters, cardboard boxes as well as other bits and pieces for years, not knowing at the time what they will be used for or what they will look good with or even when/how I will use it, but somehow, sometime, they all find a place in an artwork somewhere," he said.

A point of difference in Bennett’s art is that unlike other artworks that are designed for how they would look in someone’s living room, he aims to make people question and think for themselves.  "I try and create work that not only has strong aesthetic qualities but also provide a discussion point for people …  I do my own thing, paint in my own way, create works that I want to create not just to fill a certain criteria that the consumer is looking for at the time.  Due to this, I think I've developed a unique method and style, which is recognisable and interesting," he explained.

Currently, Bennett is working on a couple of commission pieces and in early 2012 himself and fellow Higher Ground member Tom Ferson will be having a duo show at Kind Of Gallery, Sydney, with another solo show  the works as well. So look out for BENNETT in 2012!

You can follow BENNETT via his Facebook, Higher Ground Studios website of his personal website to find out more.

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