Ben Edge is a painter whose main subject is British folk traditions. In this online workshop Ben will present his work, with particular focus on his most recent body of work ‘Frontline Folklore’. He will show footage he has shot around the UK of various folk rituals, which form the subject matter of his paintings. After the presentation, there will be a chance to ask questions and have a discussion around the history of British folk traditions and their place today.

In the afternoon Ben will lead a workshop in which we will plan a future ritual together. This will include costume design, assigning characters drawn from traditional rituals, speech and movement. Please ensure you have paper and pencils (colour if possible) on hand.

Ben has worked with musicians Fat White Family and Raf Rundell on music videos with rituals. You can watch these videos below:
Raf Rundell – O.M. DAYS
Fat White Family – When I Leave

Ben has also made a playlist, ‘One Hundred Folk Songs of the British Isles’, which is available to listen to on Spotify.

Schedule

11am-12.30pm: Artist talk
12.30-2pm: Lunch
2-5pm: Workshop

Booking

This session will be taking place online via Zoom. This is an open workshop with no limit on numbers but you must book your place via Eventbrite to receive the Zoom link and password. You should receive this information via email immediately after booking. If you do not receive this information then please email info@openschooleast.org well before the event starts so that we can assist you. When joining, please ensure that your mic is muted unless you are speaking. These sessions may be recorded for archival and promotional purposes, so please switch off your video feed if you do not wish to be included in this. Please join early to avoid delays (there may be a queue, the host will let you in to the session).

About the artist

Ben Edge is predominantly a figurative painter interested in folklore and storytelling, whose paintings depict the extraordinary lives of ordinary people. He believes his interests originate from his childhood, where he grew up around colourful and eccentric family members who would tell him remarkable stories. 

Ben has been researching the folklore and seasonal customs of the British Isles since discovering that there were such events taking place all over the UK. Although he was not entirely conscience of it at the time, a new obsession had been born and he began travelling up and down the British Isles extensively, gathering source material and responding to his research through a new series of paintings and documentary films. This body of work is called ‘Frontline Folklore’.

For more information, visit Ben’s website or follow him on Instagram.