You have a gift that not everyone has, so use it and display it proudly. Face your fears and overcome adversity and make yourself and others better through your art.
Benjie Heu is Professor of Ceramics at Southeast Missouri State University. He received his MFA from Ohio University, Post-Bac in ceramics at the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, and his BFA from the University of Montevallo. His artwork is exhibited nationally and internationally in juried, invitational, and solo exhibitions. He conducts visiting artist workshops at universities and institutions across the United States.
Benjie was born in Panama and has lived in Hawaii, Alabama, Massachusetts, Ohio, Mississippi, and California before moving to Missouri. In addition to ceramics, he enjoys cooking, coffee, and Crossfit. Benjie is the proud father of two teenagers and two cats and one dog.
Favorite writers/artists/thinkers: There are so many incredible artists out there, it’s so hard to pick just three. One of my favorite artists is writer/illustrator Charles Burns, who is the creator of El Borbah, Black Hole, and X’ed Out. The second artist I highly admire is Cleon Peterson, whose political paintings “show clashing figures symbolizing a struggle between power and submission in the fluctuating architecture of contemporary society.” The third artist I admire is the ceramicist and sculptor Michael Lucero, whose highly-crafted works incorporate cultural histories with personal narratives. I admire all three artists for their ability to expose humor, truth, and humanity in the face of the seemingly absurd and the surreal horror of our reality.
Inspired by: Ceramics. It’s my go-to medium. It’s relaxing and technically challenging at the same time.
Music. I can’t live without music, and it’s always playing in the studio, the gym, the kitchen, the car, and while I’m chillin’ on the couch.
Nutrition and Fitness. Eating healthy and regular exercise keeps me sane and inspires me to set goals. My perfect day would be espresso, working out, eating a home-cooked meal, and spending the day in the ceramics studio making something while listening to loud music.