ARTS
SPECIAL SECTION
Painting a Sustainable Future
FINE ARTIST BEN YOUNG MERGES CREATIVE INSPIRATION WITH ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP .
By ASHLEY PROBST
Ben Young , a local fine artist , upcycles old paintings into canvases for his works .
Eco-conscious fine artist Ben Young often draws inspiration from the natural world around him , blending abstract and realistic elements in his distinctive paintings , all while using recycled supplies .
Young was born in New York City , where he first visited museums and was captivated by the city ’ s distinctive buildings . Nurtured by a family of artists , he developed a deep appreciation for art and architecture at a young age .
“ My father and grandfather were my earliest influences ,” the Laguna Beach resident recalls about his childhood . “… They taught me drawing , perspective [ and ] different painting techniques , and exposed me to master painters at a very young age .”
After spending his formative years in the urban jungle , Young moved to the coast where he experienced “ a strong maritime influence during my school years , both in a small beach town in New Jersey and in Nova Scotia , [ Canada ,] where my father and grandfather had painting studios in their antique stores ,” he says .
After finishing school on the East Coast , Young pursued his artistic aspirations at Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles . There , he honed his skills and discovered his passion for creating art that serves as a reflection of his deep connection to nature .
“ Sometimes it comes from a trip to the desert , a dive in the ocean , surfing , or maybe traveling , meeting people and seeing different cultures ,” Young says of what inspires him . “… Or just going to a museum and seeing
LEFT : COURTESY OF BEN YOUNG
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