…Artistic Profile…Approach and Sources of Inspiration

I trained in London as an illustrator and graphic designer, always having a passion for architecture but rooted in the natural environment.

My artistic approach continues to evolve.  I develop new techniques by letting ideas flow from one medium of visual language to another:  moving back and forth from painting to sculpture, while remaining playful and experimental, pushing boundaries to take me outside my comfort zone. 

Much of my early work focused on Luxembourg’s ever-evolving skyline.  There is an inspiring visual juxtaposition between the historic and the new, most notably between wonderful mature centuries-old fortifications and today a dazzling emerging new institutional and business district.

I aim to depict this skyline in novel ways that capture its dynamics, contrasts and vibrancy - an upbeat city that is proud about its past and excited about its future……more recently, I have gone back to an early school passion for the natural environment.  COVID-19 has reminded us of the fragility of our life on Earth.  This presents a serious public health issue that can soon be contained.  The same cannot be said of the mounting environmental degradation that threatens the very existence of life on Earth, as we know it.

I believe better environmental awareness must precede meaningful action.  Working in different materials and media, I am exploring how art can be used to communicate environmental issues, especially to young people, but also to society as a whole.  Although climate change is at the centre of the challenges we face, the issues are manifold, and my aim is to explore all the major ones through visual art:  to name but a few; loss of biodiversity; pollution of the seas; over exploitation of resources and waste management; and, deforestation. 

Ben Carter
 Luxembourg, 1 April 2020