Interview
Ben Schultz
Artist and storyteller Ben Schultz builds worlds where folk magic, solarpunk dreams, and mythic grit collide. Through paintings, books, and immersive experiences, he invites others to remember: wonder is real, and ordinary people can shape the extraordinary.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I grew up obsessed with novel ideas and how they relate to reality—myth, sci-fi, comics, and the wild places that felt like portals. This led to much contemplation as to the nature of reality. Art became a way to map that inner terrain. I eventually went to art school to make video games, but found the industry not to my liking; I just keep chasing the feeling that magic is real and worth making visible.”
What inspires you?
“Comic books, video games, film, other artists, people; everything inspires me. I want to inspire others to see the wonder in the world around them, and I want to move them to action. I want everyone to know how incredible they are, and I want to show them a path to that realized potential.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“I focus primarily on a theme of many worlds. My own fictional universe very much focuses on the concept of portals to other realities, but I like exploring the theme beyond that, where perspective and paradigm meet a consensus reality. I like exploring how we are always passing through other worlds, all overlapping. The world of the rich or the poor, the world of a culture not our own, the world of nature contrasted with the worlds we build into cities; all of this is a fascination to me. I explore the potential for us all to create our reality.”
How would you describe your work?
“I like to think my artwork feels like a crossroads where American folk horror, solarpunk optimism, and mythic storytelling converge. It’s richly textured, emotionally charged, and often surreal—populated by strange creatures, haunted relics, and worn-out heroes who carry both burdens and hope. Visually, it blends the grit of backwoods Americana with dreamlike light and symbolic layers. It feels lived-in and visionary—equal parts ghost story and prophecy, evoking a sense that the sacred still lingers in forgotten places. Or, in a nutshell: My work is mythic Americana—part folk magic, part future-ruin, always reaching toward wonder.”
Which artists influence you most?
“I am mostly influenced by comic book artists. There are too many influences to name, but the very top of the heap is Chris Bachalo. I love the way he frames compositions, how he stylizes anatomy, how he uses negative space; he's probably my favorite, but some other notable names are Sachin Teng, Frank Frazetta (of course), Mike Mignola, Duncan Rouleau; there are so many, but I love work where the colors are controlled and the anatomy is relatively believable, but a little stylized; a little cartoon squash and stretch.”
“I like to think my artwork feels like a crossroads where American folk horror, solarpunk optimism, and mythic storytelling converge.”
What is your creative process like?
“I’m usually inspired by the art I see on social media, in comics, or in video games. New ideas often arrive as alternate versions of my main character: Beastman, the central figure in my fictional world. Each time inspiration strikes, it’s like he returns from a new adventure, wearing a different costume that reflects where he’s been. I love designing outfits, gadgets, and little companion creatures that help tell his evolving story.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“I believe an artist’s role is to act as both a filter and a reflection. A kind of funhouse mirror that everyone interprets differently. Artists tend to be perceptive or emotionally attuned, which makes us sensitive to the world in unique ways. When we create, we're expressing an idea that’s been filtered through our experiences. It’s a bid to connect: ‘This is what I see. What do you think?’ As new tools emerge, especially AI, I think more voices will join the conversation. Some worry that this might dilute meaning, but I’m glad more people have ways to express themselves, even if they lack traditional skills. The more perspectives we have, the better we can understand reality.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I did a small show last year, where I entered a few pieces into a gallery. I sold one piece and won an honorable mention on another.”
