Meet Benny Or | Artist & Creative Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Benny Or and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Benny, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
After spending a decade working at boutique creative studios, cutting my teeth, learning the trade, and eventually leading my own projects, I realized how critical creative freedom was to me and my process. And while my work was being recognized and celebrated, it was always attributed to the studio I worked for. Over time as an artist, the idea of ownership became increasingly important to me, and starting my own company was the most logical next step in my career.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I grew up as a performer in the theatre, was educated as an architect, and eventually became a creative director for live entertainment. Now I have found my footing as an artist. While I found success throughout my journey moving from one industry to another, I was always frustrated by my pivots, seeing them as setbacks or failures.

Recently, I’ve learned to appreciate the diversity of my skillsets and experience. Through this realization, I now approach everything I do as a form of art, whether it’s putting together a concert tour, creating a new metaverse environment, or even posting on Instagram. I want people to see me as a translator and storyteller who can take abstract ideas and make them palatable and relatable.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would start by asking them what their interests are. I usually recommend museums based on a person’s favorite artists. For example, the best Van Goghs are at the Met, while the Red Studio by Matisse alone is worth a trip to the MoMA.

If they’re interested in contemporary art, I recommend a day zigzagging through the Chelsea and Upper West Side galleries.

Of course, a trip to NYC isn’t complete without checking out the nightlife. Assuming my best friend would be interested in the scene, I’d take them to parties in Brooklyn. Every time I go out, I’m reminded of the intensity of the culture found on the dance floors. There is a sense of personal liberation that doesn’t exist anywhere else, which is one reason why I love calling the city home.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
After years of working in digital, I’m currently transitioning into focusing on my own painting practice, and I would not be able to have found the confidence to do so had I not had the support of my husband and community of artists cheering me on. In particular, I’m inspired and encouraged by my AAPI and queer artist friends paving the road and making space for marginalized voices within the art world. Seeing their bravery and determination has inspired me to do so myself, sharing my experiences with the world through art.

Website: www.bennyor.studio

Instagram: @bennyor

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bennyor/

Twitter: @benny0r

Image Credits
Credit the pink the Meeting Place image with Rendering by Cyril Lancelin Credit the spaceship image with Creative Direction for [0].