Benjamin Pratt

I was born in Chapel Hill and graduated from Chapel Hill High in 1979. I have a B.S. in Chemistry from Winston-Salem State University (1988) and M.S. in Chemistry from N C A & T State University (1995).

I started painting in the 1980’s from seeing a neighbor’s abstract painting at his home and I decided to paint. I first started in acrylics then eventually went to oils. I have been interested in art all of my life.

Chemistry helps me to do art. In the understanding of color, color selection, patterns and shapes. A good placement of colors is critical within the shapes themselves, so they can bring the art work together as a whole.

I only get hints of shapes and lines in the process of drawing, which are later interpreted by the Holy Spirit. I never get any full blown pictures or images. He reveals what the lines and shapes mean along with the generation and placement of colors. Colors, lines, shapes, and patterns must be pleasing to excite and keep the eyes on the canvas. I use shades of bright and metallic colors to do so.

My goal is to reach people for the Lord Jesus Christ through art. To bring salvation and pleasure to all people. The Lord told me to do two things. To “create things of beauty and to create things that carry His presence”, to go where I cannot go. I am a vessel used by the Lord Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. I am not my own.