A legend in the illustration world, Ben Brown’s work has shaped surf, skate, snow, music, and movie cultures. And sure, creating posters for mega stars Elton John, Pearl Jam and The Cure is gratifying, it’s this month’s Tawny cover that has made Ben’s 90year old mum’s dreams come true.
What’s your favourite beach?
North Steyne, I have surfed there since I was a little kid.
Describe one of your fondest memories of life on the Beaches?
Late 80s, early 90’s, you could afford a share house on the beach with your friends. There were lots of funny little subcultures that all crossed over each other; punk rock bands, skateboarding, surfing. And lots of great local live venues; Manly Vale Hotel, the Venue in Dee Why, Manly Fisho’s, Manly Youth Center, to name a few. It was a great place to be a creative young freak.
What inspired your cover art?
Positive vibes! This is the second year I have created art for the Lifeline Classic, along with other great local artists like Eve Bracewell, Kentaro Yoshida and Brent Smith. It is a great event for the community to get behind and I am stoked my art is on the cover of the Tawny. It is my 90-year-old mum’s favourite mag!
What inspires your artwork in general?
I am obsessed with junk culture, pop culture, rock music and movies. I draw a lot on various subcultures like surfing and skateboarding. I love the images that drive the true underground core of these strange pursuits.
How would you describe your art?
Loud, colourful, fun. Sometimes abrasive and confronting, but mostly fun.
What is your favourite part of the artistic process?
I love it all. Discussing commissions with clients, coming up with demented concepts and ideas, then figuring out how to execute the art and create it. Followed by the satisfaction of the finished piece. It’s great when everyone is happy and the art has made some kind of impact.
Which artists or other inspiring people, dead or alive, would you most like to have dinner with?
Imagine, if language was no barrier, having a feed and a long chat with some First Nations Gayamaygal locals a couple of hundred years ago! They must have had this joint wired, and I am sure they would have some amazing stories and advice. It’s a shame all that knowledge was lost. I love to imagine how local spots were before our mob came along.
Did you study art?
I started studying fine art at the long defunct Seaforth Tech, but I dropped out and started working in Brookvale for all the different screen printers in the area. It was pre-digital, and I had access to art departments and bromide cameras – which I secretly used to create rock posters and merchandise as a side hustle – that was my apprenticeship.
What are you working on now?
This year I have created some beautiful screen-printed poster art for Elton John, The Red Hot Chilli Peppers, The Cure, Smashing Pumpkins and Blink-182. Surf stuff for Billabong, Misfit, Stacey surfboards, Aloha Manly Style and the Swellians (Ain’t That Swell podcast). I’m currently working on some cool t-shirt designs for my childhood hero Mark Richards, and some new art works to exhibit with Brookvale Arts District. They have some fun projects on the boil.
What’s your favourite thing about what you do?
Flexibility. Fun. Collaboration. But mostly fun. I love what I do.
What advice do you have for young or aspiring artists?
Have a crack! If you love art, then do it. There is no commercial imperative, that is all secondary. If you really love art, it can become a really fun and satisfying lifestyle.
Follow Ben on Instagram and check out his online shop at www.benbrown.com.au
Head here for all interviews with our Tawny Frogmouth cover artists