Today we’d like to introduce you to Ben Popowski.
Hi Ben, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
As an engineer, I’ve always been working in an industrial environment where productivity and efficiency are among the most important skills to master. Even if I was an artistic kid, painting, drawing, and playing music, I had left aside the artistic part of my personality to embrace my professional career. 2020 and the pandemic was definitely a wakeup call! With a lot of time in my hands, I started carving my first piece of basswood and I quickly realized this was exactly what I had been missing out for all those years. All my childhood artistic side suddenly came back and since then, it has become my daily practice and my new creative outlet.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has been smooth so far, really no complaints! My shop is slowly growing and I’m grateful for that. Main struggle? Probably being patient and understanding that it takes time and a lot of perseverance to grow as an artist.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My carvings are inspired from various mythologies and traditions. I especially like carving Kodamas who are little Japanese tree Spirits, they are cute and simple. I regularly go to La Jolla Open Air Farmers Market and I absolutely love witnessing the smiling faces of people passing by and looking at my art. Bringing a little joy in the world is definitely my most exciting moment. Woodcarving is above all my own spiritual practice, very humbling… I am grateful to share it with local folks!
What matters most to you? Why?
Sharing. Definitely amazed to share those amazing conversations with so many people at the local markets, fairs, or online in my Etsy shop. When someone from Singapore, France, Germany or any other place on Earth is interested in one of my pieces or requests a custom carving, I feel like I’m bringing a little bit of joy and creativity to the world and we all know that the world definitely needs a lot of that!
Pricing:
- My carvings are affordable and run between $25 and $65
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/benwoodcarving/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ben_wood_carving/
Image Credits
Patricia Montilla-Pérez
