Just a few years ago, the creative world was buzzing with discussions of craft and authenticity. Today, our enthusiasm for honing creative expression and human connection seems overshadowed by artificial intelligence.
Meet Ben Duchesne, an up-and-coming English illustrator determined to push AI back into the shadows with his meticulously detailed, beautifully gothic pen-and-ink style.
„My work proudly embraces tradition, built on imagination, creativity, and experience,“ says Ben. „Art is human, while AI merely imitates and remains insultingly artificial.“
A recent graduate from Falmouth University’s Illustration BA program, Ben focuses on visual storytelling inspired by the darker side of fiction. His work explores introspective themes, often depicted with human figures emerging from darkness.
He adds, „My art naturally leans towards atmospheric, dramatic narratives, drawing from gothic and noir influences that reflect my passion for storytelling.“
Ben’s preferred medium is pen and ink, influenced by Victorian etching, allowing him to achieve intricate details and precise control in his illustrations. While he primarily works with pen and ink, he also experiments with acrylic, gouache, and other media.
His creative process involves identifying the light source, developing tonality and color palette, and meticulously crafting each illustration by hand. Ben pays attention to negative space to maintain focus and atmosphere in his artwork.
Whether delving into Greek mythology or creating his own comic book set in Anglo-Saxon times, Ben’s eerie, gothic imagery continues to evolve as he aims to break into the publishing world.
„For me, black and white art is the most honest and raw form of expression, akin to black and white photography,“ says Ben.