1xRUN Thru Interview
The Hunter & The Hunted by Ben Horton
1xRun: Tell us a bit about this piece, was it part of a recent series or show?
Ben Horton: This piece was created for a show I had in Oceanside called “Landline”. At the time, I had been researching the relocation of the Gray Wolf back into the U.S. and the effects it has had on the wildlife and society in the area. How the wildlife had adapted to the wolves absence and how those animals are now adapting again to the wolves renewed presence. I’m also interested in how the people in these areas are reacting and dealing with the wolves and the controversy surrounding it.
1xRUN: When was this piece created & with what materials?
Ben Horton: This piece was created over the course of about 10 days in March of 2013. I used acrylic paint along with some mixed media on wood.
1xRun: Tell us how the idea and execution came about?
Ben Horton: The structure and composition of this piece was not preplanned. I sort of just kept adding scraps of wood until I got it to a size I liked. Then I realized it was the perfect size for a prowling wolf. Again, I wanted this piece to reflect the conflict of the wolves being reintroduced to their original habitat. So I added the rabbit as the wolves prey. Representing the natural results of this apex predator’s presence. The background consists of old clipping’s of articles, ads, and images representing both the positive and negative aspects of the wolves and people living in the same area.
1xRun: What is unique about this piece?
Ben Horton: I used old wood pallets I found around town. Disassembled them and cut them up. Then reassembled the cut pieces for part of the final surface.
1xRun: Why should people buy this print?
Ben Horton: Hopefully because they like it.
1xRun: Describe this piece in one gut reaction word.
Ben Horton: Confliction.
1xRun: When did you first start making art? What was your first piece?
Ben Horton: When I was little. My first piece was a volcano.
1xRun: Do you listen to music while you work? If so what?
Ben Horton: Yes, all different types of music. Lately, I’ve mostly been listening to old Blues. We have a lot of different species of birds around here as well, so sometimes I just keep the music off and listen to them.
1xRun: If you could collaborate with any deceased artists who would it be and why?
Ben Horton: Edward Kienholz. I don’t know how that would work since he was a sculptor and installation artist, but if given the opportunity, I would figure it out.
1xRun: What was the first piece of art that you bought? Do you still have it? The last?
Ben Horton: The first, I have no idea. The last was a photo my friend J-hon took while on a trip to Seattle.
1xRun: What else do you have in the works?
Ben Horton: I have a show coming up in the UK on September 13th at Bold Street in Liverpool.
1xRun: Where else can people find you?
Ben Horton: – Website –
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