Ben Bohnsack is a woodcut artist and printmaker, making woodblock prints inspired by the landscapes, creatures and human enterprises of our world. He creates multi-color relief prints, usually with representational designs, using two or more blocks by reduction, making 12-20 originals, all hand-printed. He uses ink which soy based and environmentally friendly. The images must necessarily be simplified to accommodate carving, inking and printing, but the process itself is very calculated in order to create dramatic scenes, worthy of attention and appreciation.

His career as an artist evolved through the years. After a lifelong sideline as a do-it-yourselfer and woodworker, he was drawn to find out more about making woodblock prints. His career as a pastor was very creative in so many ways and in retirement that creativity is being applied in new directions through his art. Education and travel have been especially important for Ben, his wife and family, and those values are also seen in his art.

After attending a workshop with professional woodcut artist Nick Wroblewski, Ben began to explore his own possibilities. With every print came increased ability. Subjects centered at first on nearby places, wildlife and people, and have now broadened out through art residencies, exhibitions, teaching workshops and travel. Not having any art education, he took relevant and helpful classes available through the nearby university. Collegial relationships with other artists grew by joining the art association and a gallery of local artists. Completing ten years, his artistic skills have now emerged into a full artistic career he thoroughly enjoys.

Ben especially seeks out art residencies to broaden his artistic experience. Time focused on his art is particularly productive and the opportunity to be inspired by new places broadens his subject matter and develops new skills. He always seeks interaction with new communities, artists and visitors wherever he goes, another dimension of being a resident which stimulates new ideas and provides a high level of interest and affirmation. Residencies have included Seney National Wildlife Refuge, Homestead National Historical Park, Mackinac Island State Historical Park, and Bonifas Arts Center.

Ben and his wife, Marcia, are outgoing retirees who engage easily with others. They have three married children and eight grandchildren, living in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Evanston, Illinois and Dusseldorf, Germany. Ben plays trumpet and Marcia French horn in the Marquette City Band and they are part of Marquette Hope United Methodist Church. Ben is a volunteer in the Upper Peninsula Sled Dog Association and the Marquette County Democratic Party. They have a travel trailer they use frequently in local areas, but they have also travelled throughout the United States, as well as Europe, South America, and China, both on their own and with various tours.