Ben Joyce: Painter of Place

“There’s no place like yours.” 
A Journey Inspired by Geography

Ben Joyce, a mixed-media artist and founder of Ben Joyce Studios, has spent over two decades cultivating a unique artistic philosophy rooted in the concept of “place.” Known as the “Painter of Place,” Joyce’s work explores the emotional and geographical connections people have to locations around the world, with Spokane, Washington, serving as both his inspiration and his home base.

A transformative experience he had while studying abroad in Florence, Italy, shifted Ben’s artistic perspective. While painting traditional landscapes, he became captivated by the energy and pride of places that cities like Florence exude. “I realized that place is more than geography—it’s emotion, memory, and connection,” Joyce explains.

The Power of Connection

This realization prompted Ben to challenge himself to think beyond the perspective of the artist as an individual and develop his signature aerial perspective, which allows every viewer to reconnect to their own memories, perspectives, and experiences of a location.

Joyce’s art is deeply personal and collaborative. Each commission he creates begins with understanding the client’s emotional ties to a place—whether it’s the chaos of New York City or the serenity of Priest Lake in Northern Idaho. His pieces are intentionally open-ended, resembling puzzle pieces that reflect the fluid and evolving nature of place. “Places change, but the feelings they evoke remain. That’s what I try to capture,” Joyce reflects.

Spokane ​“A City With Soul”

Ben grew up in a small town in the Mojave Desert and moved to Spokane more than two decades ago to attend Gonzaga University. He has traveled around the world, but continues to return home to Spokane where he finds endless inspiration in the geography, especially the Spokane Falls and Riverfront Park.

“Spokane is a city with soul. It’s constantly evolving, and I love being part of that journey,” he says.

He encourages visitors to walk the city, experience its architecture, and immerse themselves in its vibrant culture. Ben praises local organizations like Terrain and ArtFest for fostering local talent and creating platforms for artists. His studio regularly donates artwork to local nonprofits, reinforcing the connection between art, place, and community.

Transforming Stories Into Visual Narratives

Joyce has shown his work all over the globe, but his studio has always remained within Spokane’s city limits, now located downtown in a revitalized building that supports the multifaceted nature of his work, from woodshop to clean rooms.

A second location, ben gallery near the historic Davenport Hotel, showcases his pieces and invites visitors to explore their own memories and experiences in cities like New York, London, and San Francisco through his art. The gallery also serves as a place for connection where clients share personal stories that Joyce transforms into visual narratives.

“Every piece I create is a collaboration—it starts with someone’s story and ends with a shared vision.”

More Than Visual Art

Joyce’s process is ever evolving. While wood remains a foundational material, he experiments with everything from burlap and resin to earth from specific locations, ensuring the tactile nature of each piece reflects the textures and emotions of the places he portrays.

“I want people to feel the place—not just see it. That’s why I work with materials that carry meaning,” Joyce shares.

Ben Joyce’s work is more than visual art; it’s a celebration of memory, geography, and human connection. Through his aerial landscapes and mixed media creations, he invites viewers to rediscover the places that shape their lives. Spokane, with its natural beauty and cultural richness, remains at the heart of his artistic journey, and he hopes his gallery in downtown Spokane is a destination where locals and visitors alike can find a part of themselves in place.

“Art should be accessible and impactful—it’s a way to give back and build community,” Joyce emphasizes.

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