Artist HQ: How Tim Bengel Turns Sand to Gold
A Contemporary Artist on the Rise
Meet artist Tim Bengel of Stuttgart, Germany. From his distinctive art technique to his stark yet simple color choices, Bengel’s art breaks boundaries.
Fueled by a curiosity for art that started at a young age and driven by the determination to try something new, Bengel set out to steer away from the confines of traditional art.
“I just wanted to try something different,” says Bengel. “Most artists [paint] with oil or watercolor, so I thought I should change some things; and after trying a few years with countless techniques, I [had] very good results with black sand, white sand and gold. That was my breakthrough.”
Bengel, 25, creates sandy masterpieces of everything from portraits and architectural views to big city skylines, and the work has been well-received to say the least.
With more than 281K Instagram followers, over 484k Facebook fans and with videos related to his art process receiving millions of views across social, he is quickly becoming a worldwide sensation. His success continues this September with a solo show at HG Contemporary Gallery in New York City, titled “Monuments.”
Artist HQ is where we share the stories of sensational artists making waves in the art industry. Now it’s time to get to know the real Tim Bengel, the artist behind the gold leaf and sand.
Bad Habits
“Sometimes I am a real maniac at my work. I forget about my health, sports, sleep and food, just because I just want to finish my latest work.”
Starting the Process
“There is never a pre- or post-ritual, because it’s all a flow. Before I finish one work, I start with the next one—a never interrupted flow of art.”
Weirdest Art Material
“[When I was] 18, I joined a campaign against violence and created some paintings with blood. It was an odd feeling to draw with the blood of another creature. The [moral] of the story: Today I am vegetarian.”
Biggest Challenge
“[The hardest part about being an artist is] to deal with the idiots on the internet. And there are a lot! But as an artist, you need to be focused on your work; ignore everything else.”
Job Goals (If Not Art)
“I would work for PETA and fight for the rights and the liberty of animals.”
Artists to Follow
“My biggest inspirations in the art world are Marcel Duchamp, Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, Damien Hirst and Jonathan Meese. If you want to become a big artist, you should know all these guys.”
A One-Color World
And at no surprise to us, when asked: “If you could surround yourself with only one color, what would it be?” Bengel simply responded with this incredible picture. Can you spell G-O-L-D?
Learn more about Tim Bengel by visiting his website, TimBengel.com.
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