Ben Willis, a Cincinnati-native, received a BFA with a connection in sculpture from Miami University in 2005. Afterwards, he attended the Arizona State University’s Herberger Institute for Design and the arts where he completed an MFA in Painting. Professionally, Willis is a preperator at the Phoenix Art Museum and adjunct faculty at Phoenix College. Willis’ work is currently represented by Fort Works Art located in Fort Worth, Texas.
My work creates vibrant juxtapositions using architecture, collage, geometric abstraction and pattern. I use “Candy Man” moniker as it lends itself to activating senses and is realized through my color palette and materials generally ranging from acrylic, aerosol, glitter, metal, paper, plexiglass, resin, vinyl, and wood. My work us often tactile and visceral, designed to function as a metaphor for treats that satisfy and or stimulate desire.
