Ben Young’s artistic journey is as fluid and captivating as the ocean itself. Renowned for his intricate glass and concrete sculptures, Ben’s work reflects a deep connection to water, shaped by his upbringing in a seaside town and years spent as a boatbuilder. In this interview, Ben shares how his love for the ocean drives his creativity, the challenges and rewards of working with glass, and his thoughts on the fragile yet powerful relationship between humans and nature.

 

 

Check Out Ben's Works HERE

Your sculptures capture the essence of water so beautifully. What draws you to glass and the ocean as your primary mediums of expression? 

 

I've always been drawn to the ocean—it’s a place that holds a lot of meaning for me, both personally and artistically; it's a part of my identity. Growing up with the sea at my doorstep in a small beach town, and later becoming a boatbuilder before transitioning to a full-time artist, I’ve always been surrounded by water in some way. Surfing is also a huge part of my life, and I spend as much time in the ocean as I can. I’ve been fascinated by its ever-changing nature, the way it reflects light, and the emotions it evokes, from tranquility to raw power. Glass, as a medium, feels like a natural extension of this fascination. It allows me to explore these qualities in a tangible way. Its transparency and fluidity are reminiscent of water, enabling me to create pieces that capture its depth, movement, and light in a way that feels authentic. I also enjoy the precision and challenge that working with glass demands. Each layer and cut is meticulously planned and executed, echoing the structured yet organic nature of the sea. Combining concrete and glass in my sculptures creates a juxtaposition—fragility meets solidity—which mirrors the delicate balance I see in the natural world. For me, these materials are a way to connect with the ocean’s beauty and share that connection with others. 

 

Much of your work feels like it balances between fragility and strength. How do you decide where to draw the line between the two in your pieces? 

 

That balance between fragility and strength is central to my work and has evolved in new ways with my latest work which is more reflective of balance and perception. The delicate balance I try to express in my sculptures mirrors this tension, where strength and fragility coexist in a kind of dialogue, much like our relationship with the environment. Water remains a key subject—it embodies nature’s resilience and adaptability, constantly seeking balance even as human activity disrupts it. The interplay between glass, concrete and steel in my work serves as a metaphor for this delicate coexistence. Deciding where to draw the line between fragility and strength comes down to how the piece will provoke thought. 

 

If one of your glass and concrete sculptures could tell a story, what do you think it would say about the relationship between humans and nature? 

 

Great question! If one of my glass and concrete sculptures could tell a story, it might speak of the intricate, unspoken dance between humans and nature—a dance marked by both harmony and tension. It would reflect on how humanity’s ingenuity and ambition often reshape the natural world, sometimes with profound consequences, yet nature persists, adapting and finding ways to maintain its balance. The sculpture might say that the relationship is neither simple nor one-sided. The glass could whisper of fragility, of ecosystems teetering on the edge, while the concrete could murmur about permanence, resilience, and the weight of human intervention. Together, they would convey a message of interdependence—a reminder that we are not separate from the natural world but deeply entwined within it. It might also invite viewers to pause and consider their own place in this narrative. Are we caretakers, collaborators, or intruders? The story would likely leave that open-ended, urging contemplation of how our actions today shape the delicate balance of tomorrow. 

 

Your process involves incredible precision - do you ever find room for spontaneity, or is every detail meticulously planned? 

 

While my process is rooted in precision, there’s always room for spontaneity in how each piece evolves. It all begins with the planning phase, where I spend a lot of time thinking before I even start to draw or cut. This is where I explore ideas freely through sketches, refining concepts until the design feels right. Once the form is decided, I move into a multi-stage construction process that includes building models, creating custom jigs, working with a glazier’s hand tool, and sculpting and casting moulds. Each step is deliberate, and the complexity lies in balancing technical precision with the organic nature of my subjects. Even within this structured process, there’s flexibility. Glass, for example, interacts with light in ways that can be unpredictable, and these interactions often inspire subtle adjustments to bring out the illusion of space, movement, and depth. Over the years, through trial and error, I’ve learned the limits of my materials—how far I can push a design, the angles at which glass can be cut, and the perfect mix for the concrete to set slowly but be super strong. These lessons have shaped my approach and allow me to push boundaries with confidence. 

If you could place one of your sculptures anywhere in the world, where would it be, and what would you hope people feel when they see it? 

 

That’s such a tricky question! If size and weight weren’t a limitation, I would love to create a large-scale public sculpture outdoors. It would be incredible to place it in a highly urban environment, where it could stand as a representation of the natural world amidst the built landscape. I’d hope the sculpture would inspire viewers to reflect on their connection to nature, even in the heart of a city. By placing it in a space accessible to everyone, the goal would be to spark a sense of wonder and awareness, encouraging people to think about the beauty of the natural world and the importance of preserving it. It would be amazing for the work to not only be seen but also interacted with, becoming a moment of pause and contemplation in the midst of urban life.

 

Ben Young’s sculptures are more than just art—they are a dialogue between humanity and the natural world. Through his precise craftsmanship and profound storytelling, Ben’s work invites us to pause and reflect on our place within nature’s delicate balance. Whether showcased in galleries or imagined as large-scale public installations, his sculptures inspire awe, awareness, and a deeper appreciation for the beauty of water and the world it inhabits.

 

 

 

Check Out All the Pieces by Ben HERE


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