PDX Profile: Bridget Benton

Bridget Benton's work is so intriguing. There are all these layers and textures, and then, surprising objects pop up where you least expect. She uses art techniques mixed with craft techniques, and works in all sizes and shapes - she really exemplifies the word "artist."

You can see more of Bridget's work on her blog, The Matchbook (be sure to check out the awesome tutorials). She can also be found teaching a wide variety of classes at DIY Lounge. Now, on to the interview!

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How did your artistic journey begin? Have you always made things?
I have always made things . . . I was an only child and my social skills were rather, er, underdeveloped, and most of my play involved making things . . . I played waitress and made paper menus and clay food to serve . . . I played with dolls and would make clothes and furniture and little magazines and quilts for them. I think I got my first sewing machine when I was five! I played with watercolors and wrote stories, too.

What would you say your art is “about”? What inspires you?
I’m really inspired by materials and by the discovery that happens as I work with them. It’s pretty intuitive and very process-oriented; art-making is my spiritual practice. Lines, images, colors, textures . . . In most of what I do, I’m building up layers . . . layers of images, layers of objects, layers of media, layers of meaning. Half the time I have no idea what’s going on until I’m done! Of course, I tend to be drawn to a lot of the same images over and over –bones, hands, teeth, windows, keys, locks, scissors, thread, vines, birds, nests, trees, saints, maps – so I see a lot of the same themes emerge over and over. Most of it is a kind of tension between freedom and stability. There’s a real longing for home and a sense of belonging, but also a fear of it. Sometimes the things that are stabilizing can turn suffocating; there is often a sense of dark domesticity in my work. Though you’d probably have a hard time getting that from a pair of recycled rubber earrings!

You use so many different media – how do you know an object is destined for a particular piece of art?
I don’t! It’s a mystery. I work in one big space and usually have about six different projects going at once. Sometimes something I’ve pulled out for one piece will end up in another one. Sometimes the pieces get combined, and sometimes one piece will turn into four.

You actually have a Master’s Degree in creativity! Tell us about that – what were your studies about, and how are you using them today?
I went into the program wanting to understand the creative process better. I really believe that everyone has the ability to be creative, and that people can learn to be more creative. I wanted to learn how to support people through that, help them develop their skills. We studied facilitation, creativity theory, assessments, learning styles, creative problem solving . . . I came out of it really understanding better how creativity works. And I came out of it a lot more confident as an artist, and as a teacher and facilitator. I use what I learned every time I make art or design a class . . . and I’m working on some creativity training programs for entrepreneurs and business people.

What is your take on the difference between “Art” and “Craft”?
For me, the line between art and craft is pretty blurry . . . they’re both verbs in my book. Craft is the method and quality of the making; the art is in the meaning it holds and conveys.

What are some of your favorite creative spots in Portland?
Collage has just about everything I want in the way of art supplies, though I love scrounging at SCRAP, The ReBuilding Center, and Knittn' Kitten for art leftovers and recyclable tidbits. Guardino is my favorite mixed-media art gallery in town . . . but my absolute favorite creative places are on-line - or sitting in one of Portand's million and one great café's and surfing on-line . . . Maybe it's because I'm a secret introvert!