Benjamin Junta, an esteemed artist renowned for his captivating landscape paintings, was born in the serene town of Carmel, California, and spent his formative years in the bustling milieu of Silicon Valley, south of San Francisco. Unlike the traditional artist's upbringing steeped in creativity and early artistic pursuits, Ben's childhood revolved around sports and academics, hardly paying heed to the artistic world.
It was during his college years that his path took a transformative turn. Enrolling in a basic drawing class to fulfill a creativity requirement, he found himself in an unfamiliar territory where fellow students' skills both intimidated and intrigued him. This initial exposure to art, under the encouragement and mentorship of the esteemed artist Squeak Carnwath, ignited a passion that would become the cornerstone of his future endeavors. Immersing himself in studio art and art history courses, Ben laid the foundational elements of his artistic journey.
Educated at Middlebury College, Occidental College, and enriched by further studies at the Cape Cod School of Art in Provincetown, MA, the Santa Fe Art Institute with Wolf Kahn, and the Vermont Studio Center with Bernard Chaet and John Walker, Bens academic cadre of mentors and peers has left an indelible mark on his approach to art. These influences, indeed, have helped shape his intricate landscapes that evoke a sense of dreamer free spirit and illuminate the symbiotic relationship between humans and the earth.
Preferring to work in series, Ben approaches his canvas with a sense of exploration and daring, allowing himself to take risks while maintaining the versatility that working on several similar compositions concurrently affords him. This approach mirrors the organic flow of his subject matter, landscapes that at once reflect the delicate balance of nature and the aspirational spirit of humanity.
A long-standing member of the Laguna Beach Plein Air Painters Association, Ben’s art has graced galleries nationwide, with a particularly enduring partnership with the Serena and Lily Art Department Gallery. His works resonate with collectors and admirers who find in them a unique blend of serenity and emotive resonance.
Drawing inspiration from legendary figures such as Wolf Kahn, Bernard Chaet, and John Walker, Ben's art embodies a distinctive palette and vision. His landscapes, rife with a spectrum of bold colors and dynamic compositions, are not just visual feasts, but also reflections of his deeper convictions about the interplay between civilization and the natural world.
As he continues to evolve his artistic expression, his contributions underscore a belief in art's pivotal role in fostering connectivity and understanding between individuals and their environments. Through his captivating landscapes, Ben reaffirms his commitment to nurturing the human spirit and its intrinsic connection to Earth.
He has exhibited on the East Coast, Santa Fe, New Mexico, Los Angeles, CA, Santa Barbara, CA, as well as at Stanford University and other locations in Northern California, including the Bryant Street Gallery in Palo Alto, CA. Recently, He has exhibited his paintings with Hale Arts Space in Santa Monica, CA, the Palos Verdes Art Center in Palos Verdes, CA, Siren 6500 in Hollywood, CA, SPACE Arts Center in South Pasadena, CA, Resin Art Space in Hermosa Beach, CA and with Serena and Lily - www.serenaandlily.com. His most recent show was with The Bridgette Mayer Gallery, Philadelphia, PA - Summer 2023. His work is in both private and corporate collections.
