Ben Caldwell of Ben & Lael shares his inspiration of the Appalachian Trail in his timeless and functional art.
Ben Caldwell is a distinguished artist specializing in the creation of functional and timeless metalwork. His artistry seamlessly blends practicality with elegance, resulting in exquisite serving pieces and tableware crafted from copper and silver. With a lifelong passion for the natural world, Ben found profound inspiration in nature after completing a hike along the entire Appalachian Trail. This transformative experience deepened his connection to the environment and fueled his desire to incorporate its beauty into his work.
Growing up surrounded by the rich history of American silver further shaped Ben's artistic journey, steeping him in the classical proportions and forms that define this timeless craft. The influences of nature and historical artistry converge in his designs, which retain a strong historical foundation while also exuding a modern, organic sensibility. Each one-of-a-kind piece is meticulously handcrafted, employing traditional metalsmithing techniques such as chasing, planishing, repoussé, and the raising and sinking of bowls.
Ben's formal education includes a Bachelor of Fine Arts from The School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University, complemented by studies at Harvard University and the Studio School of New York. Following his academic journey, he began his professional career as a custom luthier and drum maker. His path took a significant turn when he entered an apprenticeship with Terry Talley, a nationally acclaimed master metalsmith. Approaching Ben’s father during a challenging time, Talley expressed his wish to pass on the nearly lost craft of metalsmithing to the next generation, knowing that Ben possessed the artistic talent to carry on this tradition. Honored by this opportunity, Ben made the life-changing decision to leave his job in 1999 and train with Terry full-time.
Thanks to his classical education and the exceptional guidance of his mentor, Ben quickly honed his skills, even taking the initiative to invent, design, and build many of his own tools. With the unwavering support of his phenomenal teacher, encouraging parents, and his amazing wife Lael, he founded Ben & Lael Inc., where he began creating and selling custom, one-of-a-kind artworks in copper, silver, and enamel. Since then, Ben has received numerous awards and has been featured in a variety of prominent national publications, including *Oprah*, *Southern Living*, *Victoria*, *Cottage Journal*, *Garden & Gun*, *Southern Home*, and many others. His work has also been highlighted on various national and regional television programs and radio interviews.
Ben's artistry has been showcased in several esteemed exhibitions, including the "Best of Tennessee Craft Exhibition" at the Customs House Museum, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, "Monumental Enamels" at Tower 49 in New York City, the Denver Art Museum, and Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville, TN. Notable commissions include the awards for the 2017 Ellis Island Family Heritage Awards, bespoke pieces for the governor of Tennessee—including an impressive eight-foot copper flag sculpture that was removed during renovations of the governor’s mansion—and a wedding gift for musical icons Vince Gill and Amy Grant. One of his ladles even holds a cherished spot in Martha Stewart’s personal kitchen!
Today, Ben continues to create remarkable pieces and travels across the country to showcase his work at various shows. He is passionate about sharing his love of craftsmanship with others, dedicating time to teach local classes, provide demonstrations at events, and mentor interns and apprentices. Ben states, “I feel a responsibility to share the dying art of coppersmithing with all who are interested in learning. Some are curious about how the process works in creating my pieces and some will go on to use these skills in their own work, but all will walk away with an appreciation for the art itself.”
