Interview

Written By Adelé Kotzé

Isaac Ben

Isaac Ben is a San Francisco-based artist exploring the intersection of abstract painting and digital photography. Though he grew up surrounded by artists, he never considered himself one - and he envied those who had that beautiful creative outlet for self-expression. Isaac’s artistry began on stage and in front of the camera, yet he never fully embraced the title of “artist.” It wasn't until the COVID-19 pandemic that he finally decided to explore visual art. From the moment Isaac started, he fell in love with it. Not long after, he developed a clear vision for his work. In his short time as an artist, Isaac had the privilege of showcasing his art at the de Young Museum and contributing to a permanent installation in a luxury building. His creative journey is about merging mediums to bring his unique vision to life. By blending the organic spontaneity of abstract painting with the precision of digital techniques, Isaac strives to create work that resonates on multiple levels. To him, art is more than color on canvas - it’s a reflection of resilience, movement, and raw emotion. It captures the tension between chaos and clarity, challenging the balance between control and spontaneity. Every painting, photograph, and drawing is a journey - an exploration of passion, truth, and the relentless pursuit of self-expression.

 

What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?

“I don’t have a formal background in the arts - at least not as a painter. My focus was more on performing arts, including stage, film, and photography. While I loved it, I never saw myself pursuing it as a lifelong career. Art has always been a part of my life, though. I was surrounded by artists - my cousins, who studied and excelled in art, my sister, who was a gifted painter, and my brother, who built things. I always believed my talent was in performing arts and nothing more. It wasn’t until COVID that I decided to explore painting. Within a month or two, I realized this was what I was meant to do. The more I painted, the more ideas flowed, allowing me to experiment with three different mediums that kept evolving. Now, I can see myself painting well into my 80’s.”

What inspires you?

“I find inspiration in everyday things, which I believe comes from my background in photography. I notice beauty in the details that others might overlook - light and shadow, color contrasts, and textures. This awareness has not only influenced my work as a painter but also as an actor. You never stop absorbing the world around you.”

What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?

“It really depends. I work across three different mediums, and while they are interconnected, each is distinctly unique. There is definitely a recognizable theme in my Fine Art pieces - I believe when you see them, you can tell they’re mine. However, I’m not intentionally trying to convey a specific message through my art. If I had to define one, it would tie back to what inspires me. In this case, my Mixed Media Fine Art is driven by color, texture, and organic brushstrokes.”

How would you describe your work?

“I would describe myself as an experimental artist. My work is expressive in some ways yet subtle in others. My paintings are diverse, and while I may eventually settle into a specific style, for now, I enjoy the freedom of exploration. My Mixed Media pieces are spontaneous - almost like happy accidents that come together beautifully. My digital paintings, on the other hand, are a playful way to capture my favorite places in a bright, vibrant style. They’re fun to create and allow me to bring a different energy to my work.”

Which artists influence you most?

“The first artist who profoundly influenced my work is Ian Rayer Smith. His paintings have the power to move me to tears. I love how he combines his palette of colors with such depth and movement - it feels almost like a dance. Ian’s journey also inspired me on a personal level. I met him before he became a painter, and he didn’t start painting until he was 37. Knowing that he was able to achieve greatness later in life gave me hope and motivation. I don’t compare myself to him (or to anyone, really), but his work has certainly influenced mine. I don’t try to replicate his style, but I do learn from it. The second artist who deeply inspires me is Joan Mitchell. Her work is exceptional. Seeing her paintings at SFMOMA was an unforgettable experience - there’s so much depth and information in them, yet her process remains a mystery to me. From afar, her work appears one way, but up close, you see the meticulous thought behind each brushstroke and movement. Her inspiration is evident as well, as she often spoke about Monet and Pollock.”

“I find inspiration in everyday things, which I believe comes from my background in photography. I notice beauty in the details that others might overlook - light and shadow, color contrasts, and textures.”

What is your creative process like?

“I believe I paint from emotion, and that deeply influences my choice of colors. People often ask what I listen to while I paint, and I tell them - silence. While music can certainly shape a mood, I find that the world is already filled with so much noise. When I paint, I prefer to tune it all out and immerse myself completely in the process. There’s something profound about the moment a brush first touches the canvas. Sometimes, you have a clear vision of where it will take you; other times, you surrender to the unknown and let intuition lead the way. When I create digital work, however, the process shifts. I enjoy listening to music, sipping a glass of wine, and allowing the rhythm to guide me. It’s a different experience from my abstract painting, but both are equally meaningful in their own way.”

What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?

“Art is timeless. No matter how much the world changes, it has been an essential part of human expression for thousands of years. As artists, we are storytellers, visionaries, and provocateurs, reflecting, challenging, and inspiring the world around us. Art takes many forms, each impacting viewers in a unique way - no other profession has that kind of universal influence. AI is undoubtedly a disruptive force, and for many artists, it can feel daunting. Personally, I have yet to explore its full potential. However, technology will never replace the experience of paint on canvas. Even digital art, which has been around for over two decades, cannot replicate the depth and soul of traditional painting. Art will continue to evolve, just as it always has, but the essence of painting - the same essence that defined the greats - will endure.”

Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?

“The most significant exhibition for me was in 2023 at the de Young Museum in San Francisco. Out of over 9,000 applications, only 800+ artists from the Bay Area were selected, and being among them was an incredible honor. This exhibition was especially meaningful because it validated me as an artist and gave me the opportunity to share my work alongside some of San Francisco’s finest talents. Another milestone was a permanent installation in a luxury building in San Francisco, where they purchased about 30 of my pieces to be displayed. Knowing my work has a lasting home in such a space is something I’m truly proud of. Additionally, I’ve had the privilege of hosting solo exhibitions at a hotel in Santa Cruz, which were also meaningful experiences in my artistic journey.”

 
Adelé Kotzé
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