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Ben (@justben) - Collective Profile | London, GB Artist. Thoughtful arty type in South London. Practicing painting, kindness, piano, gratitude... Looking for creative, genuine people… my tribe. Follow @okbutwhatisit on Instagram. Recent posts: a dark, textured reduction monoprint on washi paper features an abstract, organic shape with wing-like elements and a long, curved tail. the artwork, created with ink, evokes a sense of movement and depth., an abstract, sepia-toned printmaking artwork titled 'untitled' features a circular element with radiating lines, reminiscent of a fan or sunburst, set against a textured background. the piece, created with ink on paper, showcases a unique blend of or, a black and white ink drawing with a touch of yellow watercolor depicts a tree in a garden at night, with a glowing orb resembling the moon in the background. the artwork features a textured fence and dense foliage, creating a moody and atmospheric s, a dark, textured abstract monoprint features swirling lines and rough patches of black and white. a small, bright circle is visible in the center of the piece., a mixed media artwork features a close-up, abstract depiction of a torso, rendered in graphite with touches of watercolor. the textured surface and limited color palette create a unique artistic impression., three black and white prints of sunflowers are displayed on a table. the prints appear to be created using a relief printing technique, possibly etching or linocut, showcasing intricate details of the flowers and stems against textured backgrounds., a person's legs and feet cast long, distorted shadows on a wet, tiled pavement. the shadows appear to be created by falling water or rain, creating a unique visual effect., a lush garden in london is thriving despite a heatwave, with green grass dotted with wildflowers and blooming borders attracting various insects like bees and moths., a black and white abstract print with a lot of texture and subtle details. the artwork is printed on white paper, with the image filling most of the page., a double exposure photograph captures two figures walking past a sign that reads 'elderly people'. bare tree branches overlay the scene, creating a layered, artistic effect., a vendor with grey hair sits behind a market stall filled with various stockings displayed hanging from a rack. the stall appears to be in a bustling market, with brickwork visible in the background., an abstract watercolor painting features bold strokes of red, orange, and yellow, with circular elements and sharp geometric lines against a textured, dark background., a black and white close-up portrait of a cougar's face. the big cat has its mouth slightly open, revealing its teeth, and is looking directly at the camera with an intense gaze., a black and white close-up portrait of a snow leopard resting on a log. the leopard's face is detailed, showing its distinctive spotted fur and intense eyes., a wide-angle shot of a packed concert hall during the bbc proms. an orchestra is performing on stage, with a large audience filling the seats and standing room. the ceiling features a unique design with purple, circular elements and red lighting., .
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Ben @justben

Thoughtful arty type in South London. Practicing painting, kindness, piano, gratitude... Looking for creative, genuine people… my tribe.
London, GB
My Art Website
art
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walking
A dark, textured reduction monoprint on washi paper features an abstract, organic shape with wing-like elements and a long, curved tail. The artwork, created with ink, evokes a sense of movement and depth.
Untitled reduction monoprint, ink on washi, 2026.
An abstract, sepia-toned printmaking artwork titled 'Untitled' features a circular element with radiating lines, reminiscent of a fan or sunburst, set against a textured background. The piece, created with ink on paper, showcases a unique blend of or
Untitled, reduction monotype, ink on paper, 2026
A black and white ink drawing with a touch of yellow watercolor depicts a tree in a garden at night, with a glowing orb resembling the moon in the background. The artwork features a textured fence and dense foliage, creating a moody and atmospheric s
Experimenting… ink and watercolour pigments on paper, 2026
A dark, textured abstract monoprint features swirling lines and rough patches of black and white. A small, bright circle is visible in the center of the piece.
Untitled, reduction monoprint on toned paper, 2026
A mixed media artwork features a close-up, abstract depiction of a torso, rendered in graphite with touches of watercolor. The textured surface and limited color palette create a unique artistic impression.
I don’t like to waste ink so I’ve making a ghost print after every monoprint. On this one i’ve added a little playful watercolour and graphite. 😇
Three black and white prints of sunflowers are displayed on a table. The prints appear to be created using a relief printing technique, possibly etching or linocut, showcasing intricate details of the flowers and stems against textured backgrounds.
Another fun night of printing. 🙂
The only rain around here
The heatwave in London is tough. But my garden is ALIVE. Decisions I made years ago are paying off now. Reseeding my lawn with clay loving British native wild grasses and flowers mean my grass is green and little flowers bloom amongst it. My horsemint and verbena borders are blooming and swarming with at least a dozen types of flies (some gorgeous iridescent ones, some wasp looking giant badass), mint moths, tiny silver bees. I have seen a couple of hummingbird hawk moths too, such a privilege. Concentrating on Mediterranean and Australian herbs and shrubs in pots, means I hardly need to use any water to maintain a lush varied environment, one that is crawling with a huge variety of invertebrates. And there is a young fox sleeping in the corner as I write this. It’s been here with me all day, yawning and moving as little as possible. I relate. I feel blessed and grateful to be custodian of this little patch of the Earth. I’m doing what I can and hope it’s enough.
A black and white abstract print with a lot of texture and subtle details. The artwork is printed on white paper, with the image filling most of the page.
This is way too subtle and I love it. Something secret just for me. Do you have something you made that is just for you?
Anyone else spend their Saturday nights making art by themselves? I can’t pretend I don’t enjoy it. But it is a lonely thing.
A double exposure photograph captures two figures walking past a sign that reads 'Elderly People'. Bare tree branches overlay the scene, creating a layered, artistic effect.
Portobello road market, 2016 🎞️📷
A vendor with grey hair sits behind a market stall filled with various stockings displayed hanging from a rack. The stall appears to be in a bustling market, with brickwork visible in the background.
Portobello road market, 2016 🎞️📷
An abstract watercolor painting features bold strokes of red, orange, and yellow, with circular elements and sharp geometric lines against a textured, dark background.
Untitled, watercolour medium on paper, 2026
A black and white close-up portrait of a cougar's face. The big cat has its mouth slightly open, revealing its teeth, and is looking directly at the camera with an intense gaze.
Tulsa Zoo, Oklahoma, 2013
A black and white close-up portrait of a snow leopard resting on a log. The leopard's face is detailed, showing its distinctive spotted fur and intense eyes.
Kiara, Tulsa zoo, Oklahoma 2013 (she passed away in 2018). What a gorgeous creature she was. I identify with her. Weariness is in my bones.
Did anyone else keep a diary when they were younger? How does reading it now make you feel… do you cringe or laugh or even recognise that person? Is the life you wanted then the life you led in truth? I see in the writing from my 20s the typical self-serious know-it-all arrogance of youth. How I’d love to relive that period with the compassion and lightness I’ve developed since then. But I also miss the optimism of that young man… I should thank him for where I am today. I suppose I wouldn’t have got this far if he shared the pragmatic resignation of middle age. A note for myself in 20 years; yes I know I’m being dreadfully wistful and I’m sorry if we have a mid life crisis despite doing my best to be self-aware about that. 😅
A wide-angle shot of a packed concert hall during the BBC Proms. An orchestra is performing on stage, with a large audience filling the seats and standing room. The ceiling features a unique design with purple, circular elements and red lighting.
First night of the proms… the start of my summer 🥰 🎶🎻🪉🎺🥁🎶
An overhead shot captures a group of people gathered along a railing, casting long shadows on the ground below. The image has a vintage, redscale film aesthetic, giving it a unique, moody atmosphere.
The crowd, London 2015 📷🎞️ (redscale)
An abstract watercolor painting features organic, flowing shapes in earthy tones of brown, red, and teal. Three circular forms are nestled within the composition, adding a sense of depth and intrigue.
Untitled, watercolour on paper, 2026
No longer liking or reposting uncredited artwork. If you see uncredited posts and know the artist, steal that post and name the artist. Lead by example! 😈
An abstract etching proof by Lucian Freud, titled 'After Chardin (Small)', created in 2000. The monochrome artwork features bold, expressive lines and a textured appearance, evoking a sense of depth and movement.
Lucian Freud (1922-2011) AFTER CHARDIN (SMALL), etching proof, 2000 Just love this - it’s almost abstract.
A surreal, pseudo-biological abstract art piece created with ink on washi paper. The textured print features organic shapes and dark, earthy tones, evoking a sense of mystery and the unknown.
Untitled reduction monoprint, ink on washi, 2026. Leaning in to the surreal pseudo-biological theme. Open to names for any of these... Things. 👀
A close-up abstract monoprint features textured organic shapes in shades of brown ink on paper. The artwork has a rich, tactile quality with swirling lines and clustered circular forms.
Untilted, reduction monotype, ink on paper, 2026
A black and white reduction monoprint on toned paper features an abstract composition with intricate textures and patterns. The artwork has a dynamic, almost organic feel, with swirling elements and sharp, tooth-like shapes.
Untitled, reduction monoprint on toned paper, 2026
A black and white reduction monoprint features two thistles against a dark, textured background. The artwork is rendered on toned paper, showcasing the intricate details of the flowers and their stems.
Some proper pictures of these monoprints i’ve been working on recently… Untitled, reduction monoprint on toned paper, 2026
Poetic or tragic?
Do you need some words of affirmation? You exist, nobody can deny you your right to. Only you get to decide who and what you are and your outward appearance doesn’t define you. You have it in you to change. If you don’t like something about yourself, don’t beat yourself up about it; you have that in common with 100% of us. Nothing about you is set in stone. You can redefine yourself whenever and as often as you want and f*ck anyone who dares to define you. You are beautiful and you are enough. Now look yourself in the mirror and tell yourself I love you. And mean it.
A red fox is lying on its back on a concrete surface next to a bicycle, appearing to be asleep. The fox has its legs in the air and its fur is a mix of orange and brown.
Nap time is all the time 🦊💤
An abstract monoprint features swirling textures and circular shapes in black ink on white paper. The artwork is framed and displayed above a wooden surface.
Tonight’s monoprint, currently untitled. Ink on paper, 2026.
Printmaking is an absolute joy. It has given me a new spark and I love it. These are two ideas from the same theme. I like something about each of them but it’s not there yet, must keep trying.
A brutalist apartment building looms in the background, captured on film. In the foreground, a white marker with the number B07 is visible, hinting at a street market setting.
Portobello road market, 2016 🎞️📷
A close-up shot of a wooden door with a glass pane that has been shattered. An "Open" sign is visible on the glass, and a blurry figure can be seen through the broken pane.
Portobello road market, 2016 🎞️📷
Three prints of a relief sculpture depicting ancient Greek figures are laid out on a table. The prints showcase the drypoint printing technique, with one print featuring a more detailed and colored finish.
Tetra pack drypoint printing of that relief sculpture in Crete. Just testing the concept and it works very well! I will redo the drawing and take a bit longer now I know the process works.
A black and white close-up photo shows a fox curled up and sleeping in the grass. The fox's fur is textured and detailed, and its eyes are closed.
Tulsa zoo, Oklahoma 2013
Two elephants playfully throw hay on each other in a black and white photograph taken at the Tulsa Zoo in 2013. One elephant has its trunk raised high, while the other appears to be laughing with its mouth open.
Tulsa Zoo, Oklahoma 2013 Throwing hay on each other, a right pair of clowns. But look at that face and tell me that’s not joy.
A close-up shot of a flamingo's pink and orange feathers. The bird's eye is visible, looking towards the camera.
Oklahoma Zoo, 2013
An abstract watercolor painting features bold strokes of blue, gray, orange, and yellow, with a small dark circle positioned above a larger dark shape. The artist describes the creation process as flowing like water.
Untitled, watercolour media on paper, 2026 Sometimes the work has to be carved out at great effort, and sometimes the idea it just flows like water and it feels right. This was such a time.
A first-person perspective shot of a person's feet and legs standing near a black line on the ground. The words "do not cross this line" are visible in orange text. The image has a grainy, red-tinted aesthetic, characteristic of redscale film photogr
The rebel, London 2015 📷🎞️ (redscale)
A group of people are playing soccer in a sunlit urban area. The image has a vintage, redscale film effect, giving it a warm, nostalgic feel.
The dancer, London 2015 📷🎞️ (redscale)
An abstract watercolor painting depicts a vibrant yellow sun and a small red planet against a dark, textured sky. A white, angular shape dominates the left side, with a smaller white orb emitting a fiery glow, suggesting a celestial event or landscap
Untitled, watercolour on paper, 2026
An abstract watercolor painting features a composition of organic and geometric shapes in a variety of colors including black, white, yellow, red, and blue. The artwork is titled 'Nothing without you' and is dated 2026.
Nothing without you, watercolour on paper, 2026
I have been feeling melancholic all day because I dreamt I had found this wonderful friendship group and in that weird way dreams can tap directly into your emotions, that friendship was at once deep and genuine and earned. I was telling these friends how much they meant to me in a really vulnerable moment when I was woken abruptly… it was so jarring I wanted to cry as if i’d lost each one of those ‘imaginary’ people. So I have been mourning a dream all day and feel completely silly about it but there it is. 😞 Anyone else experienced something like this?
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