THIS SPREAD , TOP ROW : SHOPGOODWILL . COM AND BHUSHAN THAKKER /@ BHOOSHOOTS ; THIS PAGE , BOTTOM RIGHT : COURTESY OF BEN YOUNG |
artists that you really respect and taking one little thing away that you hadn ’ t thought of implementing into your own work .”
Abstract pieces will often manifest organically as he experiments with new ideas and follows his artistic flow . This is what led to his signature style , which offers a striking balance between abstract and realism .
“ Sometimes , I ’ m fascinated by the incredible detail of things , and sometimes the broad strokes of nature create their own form of abstraction . I love combining these things , and also isolating them ,” Young explains . “… Color and form , depth and perspective are all right there in front of you . Everything that you could want to paint is in nature .”
Before making the leap to focus on his own paintings full time during the COVID- 19 pandemic , Young had a career designing toys with The CDM Co . in Newport Beach , and went on to direct the kids meal programs for Burger King , working with movie studios and films such as “ Shrek ” and “ The Lord of the Rings .” He also worked with major TV networks , developing merchandise for hundreds of TV shows , musicians and other icons from “ Star Trek ” to “ Game of Thrones ,” the Grateful Dead and Bruce Lee . He also worked in the action sports industry on the creative side as well as brand development and brand launches . When he walked through a shopgoodwill . com warehouse recently , he even came across a Hang Ten skateboard that he had once designed .
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A SECOND LIFE Now working on his own paintings , Young often sources supplies from Goodwill , the nonprofit thrift store chain , as well as recycled acrylic paint from Laguna Beach-based Encore Artistic Solutions , which collects discarded architectural paint on its way to landfills and upcycles it for a community of artists and makers including several in Laguna . The brand ’ s paint line , called Tomorrow ’ s Artist , |
contains about 70 % discarded paint , mixed with other elements to achieve the desired colors and viscosity for use by fine art painters .
For a piece of art commissioned earlier this year , he used a large secondhand canvas from Goodwill . “ I feel that any time we get a chance to avoid single-use anything and give products a second life , we are taking the stewardship of our planet seriously and contributing to a more sustainable future ,” Young says .
The eco-conscious artist chose to partner with Goodwill and Encore because he feels aligned with their shared mission around upcycling pre-loved materials .
Nicole Suydam , president and CEO of Goodwill of Orange County , the operator of shopgoodwill . com , is working to bring secondhand supplies to creatives like Young through the charity ’ s thrift stores and website .
“ Goodwill is one of the original adopters of the circular economy model — we have a long legacy of maximizing the value and lifespan of goods and being responsible stewards to our environment ,” Suydam says .
The nonprofit ’ s e-commerce platform launched the # CreateOpportunity campaign earlier this year , aiming to bridge the gap between artists , creators and the eco-conscious community by encouraging sustainable shopping with a greater purpose in mind . For Young , the decision to repurpose unwanted canvases and support sustainable initiatives was always clear . “ I hate to see a perfectly good canvas get thrown away when it could be given new life as a new , beautiful piece of art ,” he says . “[ And ] you ’ re supporting people in their local communities when you buy from shopgoodwill . com .”
Sometimes , he buys an old painting from Goodwill and adds a layer of gesso on top , making the large canvas as good as new . He then paints his own vision atop the nowblank canvas , often using Encore paint .
“ Every jar and every brushstroke we use [ of Encore ] means one less jar or
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“ Introspective ” by Ben Young
brushstroke of new material is consumed . … I feel better at the end of the day , knowing that my footprint is lower because I had the choice and I exercised it ,” Young says of making these sustainable decisions .
Not only does Young derive a sense of fulfillment from his work , it ’ s also attracted international attention . He is currently exploring several opportunities to show his work in Europe later this year . Closer to home , he ’ ll be exhibiting at the Laguna Gallery of Contemporary Art on Aug . 19-20 ( with a few pieces remaining on display for the month ), Laguna Coffee Co . in October and the Coast Film & Music Festival in November .
As Young immerses himself in the creative process ahead of these showings , he remains focused on his art . In a world that increasingly values conscious choices and artistic expression , Young serves as a testament to the profound impact that art can have on our environment and our souls . g
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LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE 63 |