Ben Potter

I’ve always been interested in art since I was a young teenager. Inside, I always knew how I wanted to paint, but never knew how to express it, until I discovered Jean Michel Basquiat and Brett Whiteley.

Moving to the UK at the turn of the century was the boost I needed to finally start painting. Thanks to all the wonderful galleries and exhibitions at my doorstep for motivation.

I’m completely self taught. Visiting the famous galleries of Europe, I would stare at the amazing artworks up close as possible, trying to figure out how the legendary artists would paint their strokes and techniques.

I am an action painter, letting the music help guide my strokes. Very rarely do I use a brush, instead I mainly use palette knives. These tools are a perfect match for my violent, yet controlled strokes that give my work a lot of energy.

Music plays an important role in my paintings. I always listen to tunes when I’m working, and if I already know what I will be painting, I will choose the right music to go with the theme. Otherwise, I’ll let the music guide my strokes.

I have a strong focus on striking colour combinations and balancing these colours with the vibrant, active strokes, and to help the viewer open their minds and ...