New kid on the block
By way of introduction, I'm the editor of Mormon Artist, a new online magazine about (you guessed it) Mormon arts. We published our first issue back in September and should have our second issue out the door within a week or so (which, I should add, will have an interview with our own Angela Hallstrom). Originally the focus was on the print edition, but I've quickly realized how much money you need to pull that off, and since I don't have any rich old relatives getting near to breathing their last, the web edition is now first and foremost. (I think we'll still offer a print-on-demand edition via MagCloud.com for the few who want print, though.)
Being so new, the magazine is very much in flux, hunting around for its niche, but I think it's safe to say that we're aiming to cover the broad spectrum of LDS arts -- writing, painting, photography, film, animation, theatre, music, etc., with some of the less mainstream arts like bookbinding and glass-blowing included as well. Right now we're primarily running interviews but I hope to expand that soon to include more types of content (features, columns, artwork, upcoming events, etc.). For the time being we're releasing a new issue every other month.
As for myself, I graduated from BYU in English Language a year and a half ago and currently work as a web designer for the Harold B. Lee Library. My apartment is filled with books; I write and direct plays for New Play Project; I do freelance book design on the side; and my personal blog is at Top of the Mountains.
I have to admit that I feel just a little out of my league here, being comparatively young and inexperienced, but oh well -- I like jumping out of my comfort zone.
Glad to be onboard.









October 31st, 2008 at 10:22 pm
[...] Segullah, Sunstone, Dialogue, etc. — and I’m happy to say that Mormon Artist is now one of their number. If you’re interested in Mormon publications, you should subscribe.
[...]
November 1st, 2008 at 7:24 am
Ben, so glad to see you here. Your magazine is beautifully done and fills a new niche in Mormon art; it deserves to find a lot of success. And it was such a pleasure to be interviewed by you. I’m looking forward to more conversations via this blog!
November 1st, 2008 at 9:46 am
I’m excited to read about the “less mainstream arts.” And the ohter articles as well
Keep up the good work Ben!
November 1st, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Welcome, Ben! Excited about your new magazine–it’s quite impressive.
Don’t be intimidated. We’re just a bunch of goofs.
November 1st, 2008 at 6:20 pm
Sounds like a great project. Good luck!
A suggestion for content: international Mormon folk art.
Talk to Richard Oman at the Musuem of Church History and Art
November 3rd, 2008 at 12:39 pm
I love what I’ve read of it so far. I thought James Goldberg’s article was particularly timely both for the Mormon arts arena and as tone-setter for your publication. Good fortune to you.
November 4th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
Good luck in your endeavors, as an artist I appeciate a need to highlight, expand, and encourage Mormon art.
November 6th, 2008 at 10:41 am
Thanks, everyone!
November 7th, 2008 at 9:55 am
Ben, of course, follows in the grand tradition of Mormon magazines, most of which were started by students.
Long live Mormon Artist.
March 29th, 2009 at 2:18 pm
May I suggest a Southern California artist for you to interview or feature?
Do I send my suggestion to you?
Thanks–Lynne Christy
March 29th, 2009 at 9:19 pm
Yes, just email it to editor at mormonartist dot net. Thanks!