Interview by Jimon

1-Where did you grow up and where do you reside and work currently?  I grew up in Baldock in Hertfordshire, but now I am living down in Kent. Due to the nature of my work, when not working at my home studio, I could be anywhere! As a live artist, my work has taken me all over the world, including Dubai and the USA.

2-How would you describe Ben Mosley?  I would describe Ben Mosley as a passionate and enthusiastic sports artist that’s always striving to take his profession to the next level.

3-When did you first start making art and what lead you to start?  I feel like I’ve had a paintbrush in my hand since birth. I’ve always felt a certain connection to creating art, right from a very young age. That connection has grown to a fully fledged passion, as I’ve gained education in the arts, completed a Fine Art degree and created works of art for a prestigious base of clients.

4-Did you have any training for your art or is it inherent?  I completed a Fine Art degree, but I’m always learning and developing, as – I feel – any artist or professional should.

5-Best advice you ever received in regards to your art?  It’s a total cliché, but never give-up. You’ll get setbacks in your career in any industry, but it’s important to hold your head high and move on. You never know when you’re big break might come, so make sure you’re always ready for the next step.

6-What influences you as an artist?  Passion, people and sports. Even in my skyline paintings, I like to try and include a semblance of community.

7-Your paintings seem to be extremely intricate and time consuming. What is the origin of this work?  My style developed from an early age and – whilst my pieces have intricate elements and levels of detail – they are, at the very core, quite a naïve portrait. I like to include precious metals in my work, including 24k gold and palladium, to highlight and create contrast.

8-What is the longest you have spent creating a paintings?  The longest I’ve ever worked on a single piece, was the mural at Barnsley FC’s home ground, Oakwell Stadium in 2018. The piece took over 5 weeks to create. The mural is actually still there in it’s completed state and must be one of the longest standing pieces of fixed wall art in a stadium, anywhere in the world!

9-Why make art?  To me, art is the most important form of communication. I like being able to interpret scenes, moments and people, without using words.

10-You are the official artist for Barnsley Football team and Team Great Britain at Tokyo Olympics, what does that entail, can you elaborate?  As the official artist for Team GB, Barnsley FC and, artist in resident, at Wembley Stadium, I get opportunities to work closely with these organizations. For instance, I’m currently creating a large-scale wall mural in London, at Carnaby Street, on behalf of Team GB, capturing all the medal winning moments in Tokyo.

11-Tell us something about the art world that you want to see changed?  Communication; I wish artists would be more accessible and receptive to their fan base, but social media has certainly improved this.

12-How do you describe success as an artist?  Success as an artist to me, is having the ability to create and work with total independence and trust, knowing that my final piece – whatever that may be – will be well received by my clients, collectors and fans alike.

13-Do you have a place/person/thing that you visit for inspiration?  I absolutely love sport, and a lot of my work is driven by specific sporting moments, so I’d say that is my main inspiration.

14-If you could have dinner with 3 artists living/dead who would be at your table?  Pablo Picasso, Matisse and L.S. Lowry.

15-Name three things you can’t live without in your studio?  Lots of canvasses, lots of paint, lots of 24k gold leaf sheets.

16-How would someone find you on social media?  I have accounts on all major platforms, search for ‘benmosleyart’.

17-What question would you ask if you were the interviewer?  Where can I buy your art or discuss future projects and commissions? The answer would benmosleyart.com

18-Please name the first thing that comes to your mind while reading the following:

Art=Life

Food=Delicious

Sports=Everything

Politics=Meh

Poor=Youth

God=Picasso

Rich=One Day

Luxury= Gold

Sex= Love

Picasso=God

Religion=Football