From Palette to Purpose:
Ben’s Journey with Small Ego Art

Art has always been part of Ben Schneider’s life, providing a much-needed outlet to calm and express himself. The local artist was diagnosed with autism at age 3.

“I’ve been doing art since I was really little,” he says. “I’ve always loved art and anything that’s colorful. I think art is a way to be creative and it’s also a way you can inspire others. I just really like when my art can make someone happy.”

Ben enjoys acrylic pouring, a form of art that involves layering paint.

Now 22, Ben’s passion for art is shown through his colorful and dynamic paintings. You can view his work in the Blakely Hall gallery throughout April. Meet Ben during an artist reception on Thursday, April 4, from 6–8 p.m.

His favorite pieces involve pouring movement with tools like buckets and funnels. This style requires layering acrylic paint of varying colors and consistencies before pouring them on a canvas. It’s always a surprise what type of pattern it will create once poured, he says.

“Sometimes the process can take quite a long time depending on how many layers go into the artwork. I always love how they come out, though.”

Ben loves to pick out colors that look good together, he says. He enjoys choosing contrasting colors and working those components into the piece as well. Additionally, he creates custom artwork from orders and requests inspired by specific color palettes and techniques.

“I love to use all colors, but my favorites are the ones you find in the rainbow,” he says. “If I ranked the rainbow colors from least favorite to favorite, it would go yellow, orange, red, green, purple, and then blue.”

“Small Ego Art” emerged as Ben’s business name to describe the pride he feels upon completing his work, yet his discomfort from receiving praise. His logo, adorned with a rainbow, highlights his passion for vibrant colors.

In 2012, Ben’s Fund was formed by his parents to help children and young adults with autism reach their full potential through financial aid and hope. So far, thousands of grants have been awarded to families for camps, technology, therapy, equipment, services, security and safety support. A portion of profits from Small Ego Art supports the nonprofit.

Ben says art has become his career of choice. Aside from acrylic pouring, he also enjoys making detailed creations with paintbrushes as well as digital art. He paints shoes, too!

For other artists with autism who may be navigating their own creative journeys, he encourages them to reflect on childhood moments when art brought them joy.

“You need to try to find yourself first and what makes you happiest. It’s important to do things that you enjoy the most.”

Ben’s art is featured on the cover of Connections. Check it out! You can see more of his work online.