Bridget Benton

Bridget Benton uses unusual juxtapositions of objects, symbols, and materials to explore themes of home, connection, belonging and memory. Though human figures often dominate her work, they exist in symbolic environments. The places they inhabit are woven of memory, more mental and emotional than physical. But like memory is connected to actual events, so too are the environments in her paintings connected to actual places. While the layers of wax paint invoke memory by obscuring and revealing, the plant prints that appear consistently in her paintings help to ground the work and establish a sense of place.

Benton has always been drawn to mediums that support working intuitively and building layers - printmaking, photography and collage, fiber, and assemblage. In 2006, she began incorporating encaustic into her work, and found her “perfect medium.” In 2010, after being invited to teach encaustic at the annual Nature Printing Society workshop, Benton added nature print and nature-focused monotype to her encaustic paintings. Her work has been shown in venues coast to coast and is collected internationally. 

Benton’s passion as a teacher is helping people discover and develop their own creative voice. Her workshops focus on techniques and processes that facilitate self-discovery and creative exploration. Her award-winning book, The Creative Conversation: ArtMaking as Playful Prayer, is a guide to creating flow in your creative work and building intuitive artmaking skills. Bridget Benton holds a BA in Studio Art and an MS in Creative Studies.

Benton currently lives in Asheville, NC with her husband, two step-daughters, and large coffee mug collection.