Stephen Benwell, by his own definition, is a ceramicist. But the vessels, pots and sculptural figures act as vehicles for his subtle and delicate painting. The hand built ceramic base gives Benwell an undulating surface, slick but uneven, on which to scrawl lively and fresh marks, images and colours. The fragile medium seems to resonate with the light and often whimsical brush work. His work often contains a story, or unusual sequence of events. Narrative is combined with a distinctive aesthetic to create unique and engaging art.

Stephen Benwell lives and works in Melbourne. He received a Diploma of Art from the Victorian College of the Arts, Melbourne in 1974 and a Diploma of Education from the Melbourne State College in 1976. Stephen has travelled extensively and held the Cite Internationale de Arts residency in Paris from 1984-–1985. He is currently undertaking his PhD at the Faculty of Art and Design, Monash University, Melbourne. His work is regularly exhibited in Australia and overseas and is held in numerous public and private collections including the Art Gallery of South Australia, National Gallery of Victoria and the National Gallery of Australia.