“Watering My Stone Garden” was born as a response to my last exhibition titled “In The Mourning”; a graveyard made for my closeted self. I have mourned and now feel something new growing. Following a journey of self discovery, love, and healing, this exhibition is about coming into the light and the rain. The medium of ceramics, especially wood fired, speaks in metaphors of formation, process, and the story of fire on the ceramic surface. In the soil, a deep joy has been budding, blossoming, flourishing, and overtaking the stones. This stone garden, contrasted to the last, is one where hardships are celebrated, vulnerabilities are recognized, and love is sowed and watered.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Benjamin Cahoon is a ceramic artist and arts administrator based in the Willamette Valley. With a bachelor's degree in Arts Administration and Studio Arts, Benjamin is the manager of the Chehalem Cultural Center Ceramic Studio and a social media consultant at Greenhouse Collaboratives. Benjamin has been professionally practicing art for over 10 years and has been teaching ceramics for 7. 

A heavy emphasis in Benjamin's practice is placed on large scale installations, conceptual sculpture, and illustration. Through the lens of growing up queer on the beautiful Oregon Coast, Benjamin’s work leans into the integration of emotionality and the natural world. 

This being his fourth solo exhibition, Benjamin has shown nationally in Oregon, Idaho, and Washington DC. You can find Benjamin’s work in private and public collections including large scale installations at George Fox, Downtown Newberg, Sandpoint Idaho, and the Florence Public Library. Stay up to date with Benjamin’s work and learn more about his process on all social media @benjamincahoon or get in contact with him at benjamincahoon.com.