“. . . an elegant dialogue between form,
shadow, and colour.”
At the heart of Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, Moorooduc has maintained a rugged pastoral charm that contrasts sharply with the surrounding landscape of vineyards and increasingly developed towns. Amidst this landscape, sculptural artist Ben Sheers has established his workshop in a sprawling shed, nestled within a setting that is both tranquil and evocative – dissected by flight paths of birds and perched at the threshold of open paddocks and home. His studio life exemplifies disciplined exploration and refined craftsmanship, where each act of creation is both contemplative and deliberate, rooted in a rigorous process that marries aesthetic intuition with meticulous technique.
Ben Sheers in his studio. Photograph: Kate Collingwood. Courtesy the artist
Sheers’ artistic practice centres on minimalist sculpture, an artform that fosters an elegant dialogue between form, shadow, and colour. His works are characterised by restraint and subtlety, yet they possess a profound capacity for expression. Within the expansive interior of his studio, Sheers has carefully curated a body of work that draws from a palette reminiscent of the transition from dusk to night. Shades such as Mountbatten Pink and Tyrian Purple accentuate the sculptures’ presence, enhancing shadow and shade to give each its own contemplative topography. One that assumes the conditions and context of its surroundings to emphasise the ephemeral dynamism that exists between structure and colour. His understanding of colour is nuanced; he recognises that even the most restrained palette can evoke complex emotional and philosophical resonances when applied thoughtfully. Sheers sees sculpture as a language of presence, where even simple geometric shapes can embody layered meanings, inviting viewers into a space of introspection.
Sculptural pieces by Ben Sheers. Photograph: Kate Collingwood. Courtesy the artist
His process reveals a deep engagement with materiality and spatial relationships. Working predominantly with lightweight materials such as MDF, Sheers employs precise cutting, fitting, and layering techniques to transform circle and stadium forms into poetic arrangements that challenge perceptions of solidity and impermanence. His studio functions as a sanctuary of quiet concentration, where play-based enquiry into form and composition informs three-dimensional maquettes and then larger, wall-mounted or free-standing sculptural forms are cultivated through a series of thoughtful permutations. Each adjustment serves to deepen the dialogue between the sculpture and its environment as they absorb the subtle shifts in perception that occur through changes in light and perspective.
Ben Sheers in his studio. Photograph: Kate Collingwood. Courtesy the artist
At the core of Sheers’ studio life lies a fascination with how human perception mediates our understanding of reality. This idea informs his meticulous attention to shadow play and compositional harmony, elevating his sculptures beyond mere objects to meditative carriers of meaning. Through careful manipulation of light and form, Sheers creates works that evoke a sense of quiet presence and contemplative space. His sculptures serve as visual meditations on perception, presence, and the subtle complexities of visual language.
Sheers’ practice seamlessly marries intellectual rigour with aesthetic elegance, generating a body of work that is both intellectually provocative and visually arresting. His studio environment fosters this synthesis, providing a space where each object becomes a carefully considered meditation on the fleeting nature of beauty. Every sculpture is a testament to the power of simplicity, inviting viewers into a contemplative realm where form, colour, and light converge in quiet, powerful resonance. In this environment, Sheers continues to explore the delicate boundaries between solidity and impermanence, presence and absence, creating a compelling body of minimalist sculpture that encourages reflection and introspection – an ongoing dialogue between artist, material, and viewer that embodies the essence of refined craftsmanship and philosophical inquiry.
@bensheers77
Ben Sheers’ work is available via Kelli Lundberg Art:
Tiffany Jade is a Melbourne-based writer who combines her expertise in interior design, writing, and storytelling to craft eloquent narratives that seamlessly connect architecture, art, and design. Her written work fosters meaningful dialogues across the three landscapes, finding and exploring the myriad commonalities that bind them.
