Kelley Benes is one of ArtConnect’s Artists to Watch '22

Kelley Benes or Beans of John is an artist based out of Los Angeles. Beans of John has become her collection of sculptural works that are deeply inspired by nature, science, and the human body. In 2018, she started as a volunteer at the Natural History Museum—making replica plants and other replicas for dioramas, this was a breakthrough moment for her work. These practices deeply inform her artwork—in subject matter and material. Her work reflects on surrealism in nature and attempts to reuse materials that would otherwise be discarded—food waste, found objects, and hair clippings—to name a few. Most of all, Kelley’s work is rooted in humor and the absurdity of the things humans leave behind. She hopes one day her objects will be found by a future human and someone will simply laugh. Her work creates a space for laughter, discomfort and wonder, and the human element of her work serves as a reminder of our role in the natural world—we are a part of it and not onlookers.

ArtConnect asked the winning artists to share with us a glimpse into their creative life to get a sense of their personal inspiration and artistic process.

How did you get started as an artist?

I received my BFA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in printing making and book arts. I have always been making art in various mediums, but after learning taxidermy is what really catapulted my sculptural practice. Growing up and in college, I was pretty dead set on being a 2D artist, but working three dimensionally has really challenged me in an exciting way.

How would you describe your artistic approach?

My artist approach is really based on making something that I know will belong to someone. It is very important to make work for yourself, but the mission of Beans of John is ultimately to create a space for laughter and absurdity, and if it isn’t going to belong to someone, it is hard to achieve that goal.

And how about what inspires you?

I think what inspires me is strongly laid out in my artist statement and is clearly represented in my work, but, to reiterate, the vastness and beauty of nature and its capabilities is really what drives the themes of my artwork. On top of that, I find joy in bold color, and I obviously love reflective surfaces.

What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an artist?

There are many challenges being an artist, but I think the challenge that I struggle the most with today is the social media aspect of being a creator. It is both a blessing and a curse. I wouldn't be where I am today without social media, but it is also creates a huge amount of pressure on creatives to always be creating, and we maybe start creating in ways we don't necessarily want to. The challenge is finding that balance between the positive and negative aspects of social media.

Describe a typical day in the studio/wherever you make your work.

I work my best in the morning. After the sun sets, forget about it. I really try to never plan too much when I am working. I let the materials decide where a piece is going. This often leads to a lot of failures, but as I fail with materials, I learn about new ones which drives new paths in my work. I always have at least a handful of things I'm working in progress at the same time. I don't do well with focusing on just one thing. Sometimes this leads to a lot of unfinished work, but, in my mind, that's ok, it's part of the process.

Is there a medium, a process, or a technique that you haven't used in your work yet but would like to try out?

Yes. So many. I always have ideas floating in my head, and I love learning how to do anything and everything. In fact, I get really overwhelmed by it. I hope that slowly over time, I just start incorporating more and more techniques and mediums. I am especially interested in metal work at the moment--we will see if that goes anywhere.

What are you currently working on? Or an upcoming project you want to mention?

As always, I have a lot of projects I am working on all at the same time. I am currently working on a collection of larger pieces for a solo show at Gold Bug Pasadena this summer as well as some pieces for group exhibition submissions. On a smaller scale, I am always making work to be available on my website. I am committed to making working that exists on a spectrum of affordability. Accessibility to artwork has always been very important to me, so, as best I can, I try to have affordable artworks available to people.

How does it feel to be selected as an ArtConnect Artist to Watch?

Incredible! Being an artist that works in a home studio can be very isolating, and sometimes I feel as though no one can see my work, so I am so grateful to be able to share my work on this platform.

Anything else you want to add?

Thank you so much for helping me share my work with others, and hopefully I accomplish my goal and make someone laugh.

See more of Kelley Benes’ work

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