Local artist profile: Boben Mammen

THIS week we chat with local painter Boben Mammen, who you’ll find at Valentine’s Antique Gallery in View Street throughout this weekend’s Bendigo Open Studios event.

What initially motivated you to take up painting?

There are many types of artists – some treat it as a hobby, others have talent but struggle to build a career, and a few shape their lives around it.

I fall into the last group.

Although I studied art formally, my career began in the applied arts – working as an illustrator, visualiser, art director, graphic designer and design(ing) currencies.

I also held roles in advertising and corporate settings.

As you age, the industry often sidelines you.

Now, I rarely work in that world, except for occasional volunteer projects.

So, what next? For me, the answer was to channel all I’ve learned back into painting.

How would you describe your style?

Advertising exposed me to many media and styles.

Each project demanded its own visual language – airbrush, ink drawings, illustrations and storyboards.

This training enables me to move across various styles and media.

Some may see this as a limitation (but) I disagree.

Art isn’t about a single style; it’s about responding honestly to the subject.

Which painters inspire you?

Picasso’s constant reinvention, Klimt’s shimmering magic, Van Gogh’s persistence, Caravaggio’s dramatic intensity and Lucian Freud’s raw honesty have all left their mark on me.

Above all, Paul Gauguin stands out.

His courage to leave comfort and fully embrace a life of artistic struggle is deeply inspiring.

Have you had any mentors throughout your career?

I’ve never had a single mentor.

My experiences shaped me, and I’ve learned to stay self-motivated.

Living a solitary artist’s life can be challenging, but I set long-term goals and keep moving forward.

What are some highlights from your time as a painter so far?

One of my fondest experiences was having a gallery inside Valentine’s Antiques on View Street.

Over the years, I’ve noticed a pattern with those who buy my work – they appear suddenly, like lightning in summer.

There’s no hesitation or bargaining; they connect with the painting personally and immediately.

It’s powerful to see someone claim a piece of my life and make it their own.

How can people check out your work online?

People can explore my work through my social media, where I share regular updates, my new blog, Art Rabbithole and my website.

What are you working on at the moment?

I often push myself with deadlines so I always have several projects underway.

One current series follows a man whose learning abilities ceased after a horse-riding accident at the age of 14.

Now in his 60s, he lives in a world separate from others.

What fascinates me is his inner life.

Through this series, I aim to capture his unique reality as he experiences it.

What advice would you give to regional artists aspiring to make a career in the arts?

I can only speak from experience.

I trained as a fine artist, but spent most of my career in commercial work, which provided me with stability.

Many of my personal artworks went unrecorded.

Looking back, I wish I’d kept a portfolio and exhibited more – it would have built a parallel fine arts path.

My advice: choose your path bravely.

Fine art demands courage; commercial work offers opportunities if you fully commit.

True art transcends its function – it shapes us, reflects our culture, and lends imagination and meaning to our lives.