10/24/2022
The Peapack-Gladstone Library is once again enriched with art as Bridgewater resident Benjamin Fernandez exhibits Imagine, a collection of 15 works in photography and digital media. As a junior at Caldwell University majoring in studio art, with a concentration in mixed media, and minoring in art history, this show is just one of his creative endeavors as an emerging artist.
Fernandez is quick to acknowledge his inspiration to pursue art: “My family, particularly my mom’s side, has a versatile background in art. My three uncles are a mixed media artist, an author and illustrator, and a writer, and my mom also graduated from Caldwell with an art degree. Although I am interested in numerous artists and other creative figures, these are the people who inspire me the most, help me kindle my imagination, and motivate me to strive for maximum potential in whatever I set my mind to.”
Even with his professional exhibition, Fernandez explains that he is continuing to develop as an artist as he seeks to find his speciality. “Currently, I would consider my range of media to be very eclectic,” he says, “encompassing drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, digital media, and mixed media. Recently, I have even begun to work with light.”
He additionally remarks, with bold honesty, that as an artist, art does not always come easily. “The creation of any piece takes a great deal of creativity, originality, physical effort, and time,” he says. “None of that should be taken for granted. As a college student taking several classes at a time, that last component is extremely crucial to factor in.” His art making process varies between careful planning and improvisation: “It’s inevitable that not everything will fall neatly into place, and my attitude toward approaching such difficulties, as they arise, continues to be a work in progress.”
Fernandez has previously shown twice at the Bridgewater Library branch and once at the Warren Township Library branch. He first came across the Peapack-Gladstone branch in his search for additional venues. “The staff were enthusiastic and accommodating,” he recalls, “and I was similarly excited to once again connect with the community through my art. I would like to thank young adult library assistant Ms. Aileen Reilly and branch manager Ms. Nicole Pascoe for this opportunity and for their support in enabling this exhibition to come alive.” What Fernandez likes most about showing his art, however, is the people: “I always enjoy visiting my display and reading viewers’ responses in the guest book. Of course, I am more than happy to converse with anyone who approaches me with an interest in my work.”
In the short term, Fernandez intends to continue his college art education and explore and experiment with different media. “Whether I am engaging with class studio assignments or independent projects,” he says, “the further cultivation of my artistic sensibility is a top priority moving forward.” He encourages readers to approach and interact with the world with curiosity and close observation. “Even if some of us do not pursue art, we can all tap into our creative imagination. Regardless of our interests or backgrounds, this special capacity, unique to every individual, unifies us all.”
We at NewsBreak Peapack-Gladstone would like to thank Benjamin Fernandez for his eloquent responses and for his time. We wish him all the best with the rest of his fall semester and beyond.
Imagine will be on display at the Peapack-Gladstone Library, 1 School Street, Peapack-Gladstone, NJ 07977, through Saturday, November 5th. For all questions directed to the library, please contact the main line at (908) 458-8440.
