Zac Benson feels called to create artwork that is spiritual and engaged with current cultural and global issues. The craftsmanship and beauty in his work invite the viewer to contemplate current issues and reflect on concepts from Christianity. His work is focused on topics including global crisis, war, abortion, significant cultural movements, and events. “Wages of War” (2015) is a collection of images of military men and women who lost their lives fighting the war in Iraq and the congressmen and women who served in office at that time. The portraits are superimposed and blurred over one another. The 4,497 faces highlight the number of casualties. Ethereal movement from the blurred effect appears holographic and spiritual; it feels like a representation of many lives. “Torn Between One Way and Another” (2016) displays each of The Ten Commandments with a contemporary concept or cultural practice on reclaimed cork panels (including “www.ashleymaidson.com,” “PLAYBOY,” and “Manifest Destiny”). The stark contrast directly confronts what may be considered acceptable or commonplace with a statement that represents an opportunity for change.
Benson describes himself as an “introvert” and “non-confrontational,” but states, “[God] has made me into a poet as much as an artist.” Through leaning on his faith, he discovers avenues to handle divisive topics in a “poetic, gentle, sincere, and kind” way. Once, he was asked about how he handles working with “heavy” topics through the many hours of conceptualization and creation. While Benson believes there is some mystery to this, he states, “I have a passion for the hurting, the lost, the outcast, and the Lord gives me stamina for that.”
Benson attempts to use material only one time, and sculpture provides the opportunity to fulfill this vision. Benson often uses reclaimed materials, pieces others may discard. He can sense and understand the story of the items. “Looking at Life Through Rose Colored Glasses” (2015) is a sculpture featuring used plastic communion cups and plexiglass. When Benson was gathering the materials he was struck by the visual quality of the dried grape juice or wine (“like dried blood with red and purple stains”). The title is a play on words with a common phrase. He says, “Communion changes everything about you.” It changes your perspective and orients your focus toward Christ, his sacrifice, and God’s promise as you are transformed.
Benson also highlights The Lifejacket Project (2018). This began when Benson was deconstructing church pews and washing the fabric by hand. The amount of dirt in the fabric spoke to him about the spiritual cleansing process that can take place in a place of worship, the fabric being a testament to the number of people who received blessing and healing. He uses the fabric and foam to create lifejackets, reminders of eternal life. Benson and his wife created a non-profit where they gift these sculptures to Christians who are facing challenges including grief and loss, and severe illnesses. This ties to his passion for encouraging others. He says, “They can have this artwork, this reminder of what Christ is doing for them in the moment.”
Benson’s work is exhibited and commissioned globally. He is an assistant professor of ceramics and sculpture at Anderson University in South Carolina. Earlier in his life, he was interested in a more traditional role in ministry. Over time, God has shown him that “being an artist is also a calling.” In January 2024, Benson will be a speaker at the Wild4Jesus conference in Wildwood, New Jersey to inspire other Christian artists navigating life and culture.
