AROUND THE WORLD WITH BILL BENSLEY

An illustrious name in the world of design, this architect and interiors expert forayed into the world of art with his trademark whimsy and vibrance. Ahead of his much-awaited exhibit in Bangkok, HELLO! gets the exclusive scoop on the artist's travel companions who inspired the showcase, his soft corner for animals and the philanthropic endeavours needed from the art industry

- SHRADDHA CHOWDHURY

What crosses one’s mind when they think of Bill Bensley? Besides his infectious smile, one could say his use of a plethora of colours, myriad patterns and a sense of whimsy that’s entirely him. This world-renowned architect, interior designer, landscaper and hotelier is firm in the belief that there’s art in all aspects of life. It’s no wonder that he forayed into the artscape with his signature art-meets-humour style.

A passionate traveller through and through, Bensley’s latest exhibition invites viewers to traverse the world with him and the ‘Faroese Knitting Club’ (FKC) — a convivial gang of excitable folk from the remote Faroe Islands that enchanted Bensley for decades. Aptly titled ‘The Faroese Knitting Club Chronicles’, the showcase of 36 vibrant pieces not only depicts the artist’s worldwide adventures with the FKC, but also his ardent love for animals and the centre of his creative world, his Bangkok home, Baan Botanica.

As always with Bensley’s work, be it artistic or in hospitality, this series has a meaningful purpose behind it: all the proceeds from their sale will be funnelled towards the varied outreach projects of the Shinta Mani Foundation in Cambodia, part of the charitable efforts of Bensley’s Shinta Mani properties. Each artwork is associated with a specific project. For instance, nine of the paintings will fund full-board scholarships for 27 students; some will carry forward the foundation’s work to provide safe water to local communities and also fund a series of micro-loans; others will support a variety of causes for families in abject poverty, such as procuring bicycles for schoolchildren, maintenance of schools and the construction of a new institute.