Columbus native Benjamin Lamb has captivated the Ohio art scene with his creativity and approach to art that mixes ink, wood, and a little humor to create compelling works.
Lamb first illustrates his paintings using ink on wood panels. The illustrations are then cut out using a band saw and placed in custom frames to add dimension to the artwork. Each piece is then finished with a custom background. “I use ink on wood. The ink allows you to see the grain of the wood, as opposed to paint, which is more opaque,” explains Lamb.
Natural look with dimension
While Lamb’s use of ink on wood creates a natural look and feel, the use of dimension in his work also gives his art a more lifelike appearance. “I’ve always enjoyed having that dimensional quality – almost like a little diorama – to make pieces. I don’t know why, but it feels great to cut out that shape. It feels more real to me than just a drawing.”
In addition to his unique medium, Lamb’s illustrations are interesting because pop culture, comedy and Lamb’s creative brain come together to create these quirky pieces. “I enjoy taking themes from all sorts of backgrounds and references and putting them together in places you wouldn’t normally expect to see them, like Inigo Montoya and Walmart. I find that fun. I try to express myself and come up with things that people can see and understand.”
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Semi-realistic description
Lamb describes his illustrations as “semi-realistic caricature,” which reinforces the comedic tone.
“I basically just make my heads (that I draw) about 30 to 40 percent bigger than they really are, which gives (the piece) a sillier, more cartoonish feel,” Lamb says.
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Lamb studied industrial arts at Ohio State University and always had a talent for creating. Before becoming a full-time artist, he was a full-time musician. Lamb was the bass guitarist for his ex-wife Lydia Loveless from 2010 to 2017 before he got “the urge” to create art full-time.
Lamb designed artwork for the band’s albums and merchandise and sold art on the side to make some extra money. “When you’re in a band full-time, you have to find a way to make money without taking a job. And it turns out that art is a great way to do that.”
A fencing demonstration
A full-time musician, he made money on the side when his father, a woodwork teacher, tore down a wooden fence and gave the wood to Lamb. He used the wood to make and sell coasters in the shape of Ohio. “I just started cutting these things out. I made about 1,000 of these coasters and got really, really good at cutting out shapes with a band saw,” Lamb explains.
When someone commissioned a portrait of an animal, that project eventually led Lamb to expand his practice to include people and the works he creates today.
After leaving the band in 2017, Lamb began doing commissioned work and selling his artwork on Etsy. He met his current girlfriend at a Sylvania Arts Festivaland she introduced him to the “exciting world of art exhibitions and art festivals”.
After trying to showcase his art in galleries, Lamb found that art fairs and festivals were more his thing. Showcasing his art at fairs and festivals reminded him of his time working at merchandise booths. “The merchandise show (when I was with the band) ended up being very similar to the art fair scene, where I could talk to anyone and meet people afterwards.”
Lamb shows his art in Lakewood Arts Festival on August 3, 2024 in Lakewood, Ohio. To view or purchase original wood artwork and wood prints, visit Lamb’s Etsy shop, BenjaminLambArt or blart.art.
