Archival pigment prints with expandable tunnel portfolio / binders board, Iris book cloth, and Lyson photo matte paper, 7.25 x 8.35 x .25 Inches (closed). $500.
Archival pigment prints with expandable tunnel portfolio / binders board, Iris book cloth, and Lyson photo matte paper, 7.25 x 8.35 x .25 inches (closed). $500
Statement
My work directly relates to family, relationships, children, and parenting. I attempt to raise questions about love, insecurities, social injustices and values in contemporary society. Physical and mental images are invoked to explore a visual narrative of my life. I direct the viewer’s experience with tactile, visual, emotional, and psychological responses. Bitter and sweet colors bring the viewer into playful surroundings while dense layers emulate a thick skin suggesting strength and resilience.
There are people and books available that state very clearly what makes for a good parent and/or family dynamic. No one is perfect despite the best of intentions. I have gained a special perspective because of my unique family structure. Raising a child has given me the chance to relive my childhood with a fresh perspective. Simple tasks such as sitting up, trying new foods, and communication are things that I have taken for granted in the past. I have found that through my child’s eyes I now have a deeper appreciation and a clearer perspective about life.
“Liar, Liar†and “Denial†are a continuation of my interpretation of the book as an art form. I am motivated by problem solving and use the image and/or concept to dictate what form works best for each piece. The challenge of creating the work fuels my passion and satisfies a personal goal for making something unique. I am also drawn to the intimacy and tenderness of viewer interaction. I feel as though this relationship keeps the mind sharp and engaged.
Biography
Benjamin D. Rinehart specializes in multimedia images with a strong focus on printmaking, book constructions, painting and drawing. His socially charged work is a part of many public and private collections and has been exhibited both nationally and internationally. Ben is the founder of “SnarkArt,” an artistic organization devoted to the practice of making art and education, where he has taught drawing, painting, printmaking, book arts and web design. Ben received a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Herron School of Art and a Master of Fine Arts from Louisiana State University. He is currently an Assistant Professor of Painting and Printmaking at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin. He has taught in New York & New Jersey at Pratt Institute, Rutgers/Mason Gross School of the Arts, Long Island University, Fordham University, FIT, the Center for Book Arts and Manhattan Graphics Center. He has continued to teach as a visiting artist at various institutions around the country like Pyramid Atlantic, Minnesota Center for Book Arts, Brookfield Craft Center and San Francisco Center for the Book. Ben is the author of a new book titled, “Creating Books & Boxes.”
Ben is married to his partner Joshua (six years), has two children (Harper & Ramey) and a tenacious bulldog named Bubs. Our unique family structure continues to influence my perceptions of the world and challenges my evolution every day.
