Wesley Hall is showcasing the original photography of Ben Brandes at market.
HIGH POINT — Buyers to the Wesley Hall showroom will find a distinctive smorgasbord of styles, materials and lifestyle vignettes at this week’s High Point Market, and one of the décor additions to the mix is likely to generate intrigue and a variety of conversations.
Original photography by Benjamin (Ben) Brandes is scattered throughout several of the Wesley Hall salons this market, and each image represents a unique interpretation created by the artist to fuse architecture and nature. In a collaborative partnership between Zack Taylor, president at Wesley Hall, Alexis Varbero of Schwartz Design Showroom and Antique Curiosities’ Allison McCall, Brandes’ work is presented front and center alongside the high-end upholstery in the showroom, a one-of-a-kind accent envisioned by a one-of-a-kind photographer.
“The creative roots of the home furnishings industry do not always have to be profit based,” said Taylor. “We’re thrilled to introduce Ben’s work to our industry along with Alexis and Allison. He’s a gifted young man.”
Brandes began working in photography after taking a photoshop class in high school. He began blending his architectural images with others taken from the natural world shortly thereafter, creating works that blend wildflowers with a rustic Maine cabin or flower bouquets with bricks and shutters. An advocate for Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) and Dyspraxia — challenges he personally faces — Brandes describes his photography as an activity that supports his goal of “creating magic for everyone” while at the same time raising awareness of both conditions.
“My favorite one is Master the Moment,” Brandes said, referencing a work that blends a horse stable with a conservatory roof and a namesake equine, Master the Moment. Varbero overviewed Brandes’ work in a company blog.
“Schwartz Design Showroom is thrilled to feature the captivating photography of Benjamin (Ben) Brandes, a published photographer and digital artist with a lifelong passion for capturing the unique beauty in nature and life,” wrote Varbero. “Ben’s work transforms ordinary scenes into extraordinary visual stories, blending his keen eye for detail with his digital artistry.
“CAS affects speech motor planning, while dyspraxia involves delayed motor response,” continued Varbero. “Through his art, Ben not only expresses his remarkable abilities, but also raises awareness and funds for these conditions, with a portion of his art and book sales supporting research and education. We’re proud to support Ben’s mission and offer his stunning work at Schwartz Design Showroom with his pieces available in all three locations.”
“I heard his (Brandes’) story from Zack, and because he was so moved and awestruck with the soul behind this boy and his amazing talent, I decided to help,” McCall said. “I own a framed art company, so my only contribution to the process is framing Ben’s wonderful artwork to display in the Wesley Hall showroom. My employees and I were overwhelmed with the beauty of the art they sent us. I hope that Ben gets so much credit at market for this display of beautiful art.”
Brandes’ work will be on display at the Wesley Hall showroom, 310 N. Hamilton St., S-106, during High Point Market and at Schwartz Design Showroom for an extended showcase. Taylor noted that the pieces in the showroom are for sale, with all proceeds going to Bandes, on a first-come, first-serve basis.
“Ben’s work is magical,” Taylor said. “We love how it all comes together here in the showroom and we’ll excited to share it.”
See also:
- Wesley Hall intros include fresh hues, English styles, product for ‘new’ retailer
- At Wesley Hall, Bunny Williams and Peter Jacob talk furniture, trends, color
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