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Benini showcases Angelico Blue - Midnight Memories Float Slowly in to our Unborn Dreams.

By Autumn Rhea

At the age of 61, Benini, known in some lands as “Moses” and “Mr. Bikini,” admits that it took time to find a place where he belonged. “I was born a Texan,” he said “It just took me 59 years to figure it out.”

Benini, a man who requires no surname, began his artistic journey at 14 in Imola, Italy. “I lived in a small village and had no access to artist mentors, “ he said. “I won a medal at the age of seven for a pencil drawing. This recognition boosted my artist ego and thus began my creativity quest.”

He explained how books and literature were early influences. “I read everything that I could get my hands on,” he said. “I soaked in a vast amount of information about art, science, nature and history. I gained inspiration from the past and knew that I was bound to explore the world.” His current library collection contains approximately 14,000.

“I challenge myself to read a book a day. That knowledge has proven vital during my life. I’ve dined with kings, powerful politicians, celebrities and artists and my education has allowed me to mind wrestle them into respecting and valuing my opinion and thoughts. It is a powerful tool.”

The artist began his journey on the sidewalks of Italy. “I chose popular restaurants and would gain tourists’ attention,” he said. “They would always stop and donate to my cause and the restaurants would then give me a meal. There was always a method to the madness.” He was thrifty with the tips and chose alternatives to a bank savings account. “In those days, I rode a Moped,” he said. “I would stuff the cash into my fuel pipe until it was completely full and then trade the money for goods. It was a good hiding place.”

Benini realized that he did not fit in 100 percent in Italy. “I appreciate the education I was granted in Italy. Without that foundation, I would not be the person I am today,” he said. “But I was bound for bigger experiences that would eventually introduce me to my mind and self.”

After leaving Italy, Benini lived in 12 different countries before settling in the Bahamas at the age of 24. “The Bahamas gave me the exotic island syndrome,” he said. “I had direct flight access to all of the capitals in Europe as well as New York City, while still maintaining a relaxed attitude. I lived there for 13 years and started showing my exhibitions all over Europe and North America.”

Benini discussed his fascination with languages. “I learned French during school in Italy, because at the time it was the diplomatic language. My second language was German. Of course, I was fluent in my native Italian. And once I landed in the Bahamas, I learned proper English. I would visit the Irish and English pubs and was soon named an honorary Irishman. Needless to say, I developed an undetermined accent and it was fun for people to try to guess my origins.”

While in the Bahamas, Benini (nicknamed “Moses” by the locals) worked to form the first Hotel Workers Union. “I managed to work at a hotel during the days and could focus on my art on night,” he said. “I found quickly that the hotel employees were not getting the necessary benefits that all people should be awarded for loyal and dedicated work. I just worked to even up the playing grounds.”

Benini soon realized that he would always work in solitude. “I decided early that I didn’t want to create art that matched people’s couches,” he said. I didn’t want to be a passing trend that fit the art galleries’ needs. Art is a powerful force inside me and I could never sell it out to the highest bidder.” To date, Benini has performed in 150 one-man shows, primarily for museums, universities and public institutions.

In the seventies, Benini immigrated to the United States and set up his studio in Gainesville, Florida. “I found three important life elements in Florida,” he said. “There was an amazing visual arts program there and one of the largest libraries at the university.

Secondly, I met my wife, Lorraine in Florida. She was a strong feminist and I was the epitome of an Italian machismo. I was even nicknamed “Mr. Bikini” while there. I had become clever and Lorraine was my saving grace. Upon meeting her, a door opened in my soul that had been locked. And thirdly, I was introduced to the St. John River marshes.”

The marshes impacted Benini’s vision and influenced his work. “I had never seen greens and blacks with that kind of thick texture,” he said. “I realized this place was a background for the re-generation of life. I had never seen a place like this in Europe. The dangerous waters, filled with alligators, snakes and carnivorous plants opened me up to the realization that paradise exists inside of us.”

Lorraine and Benini next decided to make a bold move to Arkansas. “Most people would say it was career suicide for us to move to a place like Arkansas,” he said. “I was wary at first, but the move developed into an amazingly positive decision. We were free of the usual politics that usually prevent greatness and were able to conduct a true culture experiment. We brought the American poet Allen Ginsberg to town and the locals were thrilled. Most of the events were free to the public, which created an opportunity to make art available to everyone, as it should be.”

On a trip to San Antonio, the couple accidentally discovered Johnson City and their current home, nestled on the top of Rattlesnake Mountain at Le Stelle. “This place was Lyndon B. Johnson’s weekend getaway,” he said. “I love his quote about it. ‘I want to wake up with the sun between my toes and go to sleep with the sunset between my boots.’ We discovered this area while trying to escape the city bustle of San Antonio. Lorraine and I instantly fell in love with the place and quickly made arrangements to make it our new home.”

Benini admits that he feels settled in Texas. “I have been to numerous countries and never felt the peace that I currently feel,” he said. “Texas is what I envisioned America would be in my mind. I’ve finally found my Utopia.”

CONTACT INFORMATION:

The Benini Foundation Galleries
& Sculpture Ranch
377 Shiloh Road
Johnson City, Texas USA 78636

830-868-5244 Studios Building
830-868-5224 Studios Building
www.Benini.com

 



The Benini Foundation and Sculpture Ranch showcases many artists' work. Here Benini stands beside "disappearance Manifested" by Icelandic artist  Eyfells.

They have created the Benini Foundation and Sculpture Ranch among the tough terrain and cactus. “We recently finished a 14,000 square foot building, which includes a fine arts library, exhibit gallery, and the Sculpture Ranch,” he said. “This area has brought out a new spirit in me. I never want this place to become a tourist attraction. I want the message to remain true. Hopefully one day it can serve as an education facility.”

He explains how the Hill Country retreat influences his work. “We are completely isolated. I feel like we are in the middle of the universe, with all of the stars in our grasp. I’m forced to think outside of my own existence on Earth. Of course, I still have access to civilization, which keeps me grounded.”

Benini maintains a rigorous artist schedule in the Hill County ranch. “I usually work the land during the day and then work in my studio all night,” he said.

 

 “I don’t require much sleep and my mind has been occupied with new inspirations lately.”

The artist explained his work. “I always wanted to be recognized as a painter,” he said. “I didn’t want to stray into too many directions and wanted to maintain a focus. For many years, I painted roses. I was able to explore its maximum line and color and its unlimited possibilities. Then, after studying meditation and meeting a man named Robert Morrow, I learned about synchronizing the use of both sides of the brain. I realized that it was time to venture into new avenues.”

This realization led Benini to geometrical experimentation. He is now working on canvases stretched across flat aluminum. “I was able to transcend my limitations and improve my work,” he said. “The paintings require 20 layers of brushed-on acrylic paint and will last for the next 500 years. When I create a piece, I try to envision how a human being will think at that time and make sure that they will have some sort of connection to me.”

Benini shared his philosophy on life and aging. “We are all born to serve a purpose and that doesn’t include procreating and accumulating,” he said. “Life is purely a journey of faith. We all have the opportunity to maintain a certain level of success. I haven’t slowed down at 61; I’m just looking on to the next frontier. I think age just gives me the advantage.”

To learn more about Benini and his work, visit:
www.Benini.com or call 830.868.2247.

377 Shiloh Road, Johnson City, Texas, 78636.