Benjamin Parks on Exploring Time, Consciousness, and the Power of Connection Through a Decade of Artistic Growth

Written By Ben Parks

https://boldjourney.com/benjamin-parks-on-exploring-time-consciousness-and-the-power-of-connection-through-a-decade-of-artistic-growth/

With Decade +, Benjamin Parks invites audiences into a deeply personal reflection on more than ten years of artistic exploration. While his creative interests remain rooted in questions of consciousness, perception, and the nature of time, this exhibition marks a renewed engagement with ideas and works that have accompanied him throughout his career. By blending traditional painting with projection mapping and immersive installations, Benjamin expands the relationship between artwork and viewer, encouraging deeper emotional engagement and personal interpretation. Through both his exhibition and growing studio community, he continues to foster meaningful creative connections, helping others discover their own artistic voices while remaining committed to honest, emotionally resonant storytelling through art.

Benjamin, your upcoming exhibition “Decade +” brings together work spanning over ten years. How has your artistic perspective evolved throughout that journey?
It’s honestly surprisingly similar. The experience has been more about stepping back and revisiting some of the things that still interest me. I had been so hyper focused on large scale portraits over the last decade that some ideas were left waiting for me. I found myself returning to and finishing work I had started a decade or more ago.

The exhibition explores themes like consciousness and time. What draws you to these ideas, and how do they show up in your work visually?
I grew up in a highly restrictive religion. So I guess I have always thought about what ‘forever’ or time means. I’ve also spent a lot of time meditating, exploring the difference between thoughts, time, and whatever or whoever is observing it all.

You’re incorporating projection mapping and hybrid installations. How do these mediums expand the way audiences experience your art?
It expands a painting to fill more of the room or, conversely, lets the viewer dive in closer. I think it captures the imagination a little more and encourages people to take a closer look. This show is honestly a test of that. Regardless, it feels like part of my next step.

Your large-scale portrait workshop sounds immersive. What do you hope participants walk away with, both technically and creatively?
My goal is to get the viewer to have an emotional reaction and tell their own story through the painting. These specific paintings are extremely honest and were painted with as much pain and love as possible.

With your new studio membership program launching, how are you thinking about building a community around your art and creative process?
I see it as just teaching people what I do. The hope is that they can take something from it to help find their own voice, or incorporate—or spurn—an idea from one of my processes into their current work.

The best part is the connections and friendships that form through the studio membership program and the workshop. I get just as much out of it as anyone else.

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Opening Reception: “Decade +”, Benjamin Parks