Ben Broadbent 

Ben Broadbent Artist Statement Ben Broadbent is a sculptor whose work delves into themes of mental and physical strength, often exploring the nuances of modern masculinity. His sculptures frequently depict heroic figures, both real and imagined, highlighting the layers of the human psyche. Drawing inspiration from mammalian anatomy, Broadbent sometimes incorporates animal traits to underscore human characteristics. His pieces often suggest a narrative quality, resembling frames from a storyboard condensed into a single, impactful object. Ben Broadbent sculpts in clay or plasteline and casts in bronze. With many years of bronze casting experience, the material has almost become a collaborator in his work. The foundry process, a ritual of constructive and destructive energy, serves to echo the violent and delicate forces that affect our lives. Broadbent's work is characterised by a deep engagement with the human condition, often revealing a contemplative narrative within his sculptures. His pieces are celebrated for their ability to convey complex emotions and stories through the medium of bronze. The intention of Broadbent's sculptures is to depict concepts that are too complex to put into words, encouraging questioning and providing reassurance to those who resonate with them. He views sculpture as more of an experience than an object, hoping to immerse the viewer in the experience of a moment. His ambition is to create work so viscerally empathic that the viewer inhabits the piece, even if just for a tiny moment.