Ben Young is a self-taught glass artist based in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand, who has been creating stunning glass sculptures for over 15 years. Born in 1982, Young’s artistic journey is deeply influenced by his surroundings, particularly the ocean and the beautiful Bay of Plenty landscape.

Early Life and Influences

Growing up near the coast, Young developed a passion for surfing and boat building, which later became significant inspirations for his art. His professional background as a boat builder provided him with valuable skills and a unique perspective that he would later incorporate into his glass sculptures.

Artistic Technique

Young’s artistic process is meticulous and entirely handcrafted. He creates his sculptures by:

1. Hand-drawing concepts
2. Constructing models
3. Creating custom jigs
4. Cutting layers of clear sheet float glass using a glazier’s hand-tool
5. Laminating the glass layers to form the final piece

His work often combines glass with other materials such as concrete, steel, and bronze, creating a striking contrast between industrial elements and organic shapes.

Themes and Style

Young’s art primarily explores themes related to:

• The ocean and coastal landscapes
• The relationship between humans and nature
• The interplay of light and transparency

His sculptures are known for their ability to capture the serenity and grandeur of water bodies, often incorporating figurative elements like boats, lighthouses, and human forms to provide scale and narrative.

Notable Exhibitions

Young has showcased his work in numerous solo and group exhibitions worldwide:

• Solo Exhibitions:
  • 2024: “Delicate Space” at Chesterfield Gallery, New York, USA
  • 2022: “Reconnect” at Black Door Gallery, Auckland, NZ
  • 2020: “Immersed” at Red Sea Gallery, Singapore
  • 2018: “Little Worlds” at Black Door Gallery, Auckland, NZ
  • 2017: “Sentiments of the Sublime” at Red Sea Gallery, Singapore
• Group Exhibitions:
  • 2024: Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize Finalist, Sydney, Australia
  • 2022: Aotearoa Art Fair, Auckland, NZ
  • 2022: Glass Art Fair, Habatat Galleries, Detroit, USA
  • 2021: Auckland Art Fair, Black Door Gallery, Auckland, NZ
  • 2016-2015: SOFA Sculpture Objects Functional Art & Design Fair, Chicago, USA

Awards and Recognition

Young’s talent has been recognized with several awards:

• 2015: People’s Choice Award – Harbour Sculpture, Sydney, Australia
• 2014: Mayor’s Award & People’s Choice Award – Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize, Sydney, Australia

Gallery Representation

Ben Young’s work is represented by prestigious galleries across the globe:

• Black Door Gallery (Auckland, NZ)
• Whistler Contemporary Gallery (Whistler, BC)
• Red Sea Gallery (Singapore)
• New Zealand Glassworks (Whanganui, NZ)
• Art Bay Gallery (Queenstown, NZ)

Legacy and Impact

Ben Young has established himself as a remarkable figure in contemporary glass art. His innovative techniques, which combine traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics, have redefined the possibilities of glass sculpture. Young’s ability to capture the essence of nature, particularly the ocean, in his work has garnered him international acclaim and a dedicated following in the art world.

Through his visionary approach and impeccable craftsmanship, Ben Young continues to push the boundaries of glass art, creating pieces that not only showcase technical skill but also evoke deep emotional responses from viewers. His work serves as a bridge between the tangible and the ethereal, inviting observers to contemplate the beauty and power of the natural world.