Meet the artist
Hi, I am Ben Williams (Jungala/Jaburrula) the creator and artist behind Ben Williams Art. I grew up in many places in
South Australia but my roots really grew in both the Barossa Valley and Stirling North a distant town
outside of Port Augusta.
My background is both Aboriginal and Swedish with English descent. My Aboriginal mob is Warlmanpa and my clan group is Kanturrpa from Barkley region. My mob is based in Northern Territory in a small remote community of Warrabri/ Ali-Curung which is the Barkley
region.
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Growing up I was always drawn and connected to being creative. Both my parents were artists so I naturally inhabited the ability to be artistic. As I grew up I always felt like I wanted to express my culture in a contemporary form unique to me and my character.
My Process
I did my first canvas painting in 2016, in my art class which the topic was to research and find a style, doresearch and create a final piece from what you have learned. That’s when I found my style. This became the foundation of what I do now. Real animals of many forms mixed with dot painting, symbolism and story-telling. My connection to my art is my connection to myself as a person and the journey I have endured, learnt and healed. This is how I am able to mix both worlds. I want people to feel deeply connected to my work. So I draw that from my life experience and what can be inspiring for other people, mixing that with what people love and also infusing my character which is colourful and bold.
My Inspiration
My Method
I am inspired to find essence of how each piece should feel and what values it should hold. From
there I intertwine that with the life lessons that can help people grow, which then starts the foundation of a story. Then I get to my sketchbook, and I feel what should be on canvas. I always make sure that when I start a piece I feel rather than think.
Personally my process always has to be
connected to a feeling because when I think rather than feel I almost know that the piece just doesn’t feel right and
authentic. When a feeling rises, I always follow it. When I create the design
I then sketch the foundation freehand, I always make sure I have fun with the
process of painting. I listen to music and sing. Have fun and build a relationship with the work. This allows me to thrive throughout my process.
The finished product
When I sell my work it means a lot more than money can convey, it means I can inspire someone, I can
share my story and most of all I can feel as connected to them as they are with me. I want the whole
relationship between the purchaser and myself to be authentic and real as if they are a friend. I
make sure throughout my process that I am a friend sharing, transmuting and creating a story and
piece that is full of emotion that you can truly feel.
