Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Benoit.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
An engineer by day, I started using my after hours and weekends to design and build furniture to fill my rental’s patio in 2009. I had no experience at the time but wanted to create a cozy entertaining space surrounded by plants. The unique outdoor space that I created became the headquarters for TheHorticult.com gardening blog, With the successes of the blog, I started taking on select commission projects while maintaining my full-time job. I recently co-authored a gardening book, How to Window Box, and I’m now working on bringing one of my patent-pending designs to market for the 2019 gardening season.
Please tell us about your art.
Most of my work incorporates plants, tech and re-purposed items. I enjoy experimenting with everyday furniture by adding unexpected functionality and transform-ability. Working with plants is particularly exciting and fresh because it requires me to predict how the plants will grow and interact with the piece. I hope to inspire others to work with plants in this way when designing their outdoor and indoor spaces.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing artists today?
The business side! Most artists just want to focus on creating and not worry about marketing and monetizing their work. My goal is to be an artist and inventor full time which requires me to develop entrepreneurial skills. It’s a slow process bringing some of my designs to market as my side-hustle, but with the right mentors and enough drive, I believe I can make it happen!
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Enjoy some coffee at the living tables that I made for Bird Rock Coffee Roasters in Little Italy and Torrey Pines. Recently, I made wall pieces and side tables for their newest location in Pacific Beach. My book, How to Window Box, is available on Amazon. Follow the Horticult and Ryan Benoit Design on Instagram for updates on my new product which should be available for purchase in this spring.
Contact Info:
- Website: thehorticult.com and ryanbenoitdesign.com
- Email: ryanbenoitdesign@gmail.com
- Instagram: thehorticult and ryanmb22
Image Credit:
Photos by Ryan Benoit
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