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Helga Stentzel clothesline art including bears, cows, camels, or zebras, showcase the artist’s ability to transform objects into creatures.
Benjamin Shine is a Londoner. He is famous with is fabric sculptures. He transforms fabric into ethereal sculptures with his unique approach to both art and materials.
The artist has a background in fashion design from the Surrey Institute of Art and Design and Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design. With his art and design background, he started his signature use of tulle to craft intricate, three-dimensional portraits.
The Transformative Power of Fabric
In his work, it is crucial for the material to transcend its fabric origins and evoke a sense of smoke. This transformative quality drives the creative vision of the artist.
Early Experimentation with Tulle
Benjamin Shine began experimenting with tulle during his time at fashion college. He discovered that this material possessed a spiritual and fluid aesthetic, appearing both present and ephemeral, which fascinated him as a concept.
The Challenge of Creating Portraits
Shine was drawn to the challenge of using tulle to create detailed and accurate portraits. He emphasizes the necessity of precision, as portraits must be exactly right, which can take around 100 hours of meticulous work, with the eyes alone sometimes requiring 10 to 20 hours.
The Process of Trial and Error
Achieving the desired detail in his sculptures involves extensive trial and error. Shine often walks backward and forward in his studio, covering significant distances each day, allowing the fabric to guide the creation process organically rather than forcing it into a predetermined shape.
Collaboration with the Material
Shine speaks of working in harmony with the fabric, letting it partially dictate its own form. This collaboration results in a dual narrative: one story of his deliberate manipulation and another of the fabric’s natural tendencies.
Inspiration from New York
The energy of New York City profoundly influences Shine’s work. He appreciates the sense of creative freedom the city offers, allowing him to push ideas to their extreme.
Endless Discovery in the Studio
Despite his extensive experience with tulle, Shine finds new possibilities with the material daily. Each day in the studio brings unexpected outcomes, reflecting his ongoing amazement and creative evolution.
