I am a landscape painter and a resident of Broad Ripple Village in Indianapolis. I paint on canvas and take photographs in my spare time when I'm not working at my day job.

On Painting: My interpretation of landscapes embody a sense of fantasy and an Expressionistic point of view. Painting on canvas allows me to carve out a portal where landscapes and abstract forms take shape. I attempt to transport the viewer into an otherworldly realm where the mundane reality of this world dissipates. My creative process consists of a combination of brush strokes, palette knife, and the fusion of color. I incorporate layer-upon-layer of mixed media elements to create interesting texture on canvas including acrylic paint, polymers, paper, fiber, and sometimes pieces of my own photography hidden within. I am conjuring and molding biomorphic shapes, line, color, and texture that develops into art inspired by nature, fantasy and the mystical.

On Photography: Looking though the lens, I attempt to capture a fleeting moment in time that is intuitive, but sometimes random and spontaneous. I am inspired by urban and natural landscapes. My aim is to create images that evoke a sense of drama and joy, but sometimes, melancholy. I'm intrigued by rustic and dazzling forms alike. I exaggerate and alter the textures, shadows or color which transforms the image into my own language. I have been capturing images most of my life, but more seriously since 2008. I wish to continue on my voyeuristic journey exploring the world around me wherever that may lead.

For purchase information on photography prints and original paintings, please contact me: ibenchant@gmail.com