BEN WILSON - THE CHEWING GUM MAN
Ben started creating trails of miniature art pieces on disregarded gum throughout the streets gaining the name ‘the chewing gum man’. His work not only translates individual stories from all over the world. But is a lovely reminder to be more aware of the things around you. We discussed how it all started from using such a distinctive medium to the inspiration behind each piece. Highlighting the overall message: To encourage people to find creative solutions to problems.
How did it all start, what inspired you to use such a unique medium?
It's coming up to 20 years, I can’t believe it. My father was an artist, and my mother did illustration, so it’s basically just in my blood, I've been doing it all my life. I started working more and more in woodland areas. Although I had a supportive art teacher, I found the education system really confining because you are expected to intellectually justify why you do what you do and if you don’t, then somehow it isn't respected. Whereas, I prefer to say I often don't specifically know why I do what I do.
I started working with wood in lots of different locations, more heavily in North London where I grew up. I created this whole hidden world. But I was always very concerned when I worked in woodland areas that I'd have a negative impact on the environment, is it necessary in a place that is already so beautiful? But then with the chewing gum I thought, well it’s rubbish, although it has gotten me into more trouble, because maybe people see it as graffiti or that I am placing the chewing gum purposely which is ridiculous. It’s about making people aware of issues of our environment and how consumerism has destroyed our environment.
It’s everywhere, you don’t realise how much chewing gum is spat onto the street until you look down.
Exactly, and the fact is I paint on gum so technically my work can be removed. But then after a while if a lot of people are enjoying it, why remove it?
It brings more joy than anything.
Then people say well how do you know that. Well, I do know. I’m really surprised by how happy people seem and the children who get excited. Because so much is in people’s faces, it’s nice to do something that isn’t always noticed, it’s making a statement that’s hidden. People can just walk by and it’s usually the children that stop to find one and then another and it creates this excitement for them.
Where do you find inspiration for each piece?
It can just naturally happen, but I do have a request book and I have hundreds from all over the world now I can hardly keep up with them. I enjoy making art that really acknowledges people and their story. For example, whether it’s a memorial for a person’s death or a couple's anniversary. I like to know what their favourite food is or the music they like, if they played an instrument. All these things build up a whole composition.
I find it interesting because the message may not always be obvious.
No and I think that's the beauty in it because people try and work out the symbolism and what’s going on. You know thinking ohh, what's this? I know, and the other person knows, it might not just be a strawberry, for example, they all have deeper meanings. But with every picture I have to think of all the ones I didn’t do. There’s only one little chewing gum man ha-ha.
Painting on the gum became one small way of me taking personal responsibility and transforming the rubbish into a form of art. Trying to encourage people to find creative solutions for problems now. Hopefully my art communicates with people observing their environment and celebrating the every day.
How have you dealt with people, for example councils and different organisations not necessarily seeing that and wanting your art removed?
It’s stressful; the whole thing was too much. We’ve started petitions just to stop the removal of a lot of the work on the bridge. I just felt there are public organisations, that know I exist, and they could celebrate the work. I love the bridge, the place, the people. These pictures are everybody’s and by removing them you’ll be upsetting a lot of different people.
Follow Ben on -
Instagram: @benwilsonchewinggumman
Website: benwilsonchewinggumman.com