Ben Williams is a sculptor whose work bridges the worlds of digital media, industrial craftsmanship, and traditional studio arts. He studied Studio Arts at the University of the Pacific and continued his training at the San Francisco Academy of Art, focusing on sculpture and computer-generated imagery.
Before dedicating himself fully to sculpture, Williams spent twelve years in the animated film industry as a 3D modeler at Blue Sky Studios and DreamWorks Animation. His work contributed to nine major feature films, including Ice Age, Madagascar, Shrek 2, and Megamind.
A career shift later led him into the field of utility infrastructure, where he worked at Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) with responsibilities that included gas transmission and distribution pipeline welding. This hands-on industrial experience deepened his understanding of metalwork and directly informs the precision and structural sensibility of his current practice.
Today, Williams works full-time as a sculptor in San Francisco, merging his background in digital design, animation, and metal fabrication to create pieces that explore form, movement, and material integrity.
– Ben Williams
The ranch is picturesque and maintained to a high standard by a diligent grounds crew. The metalworking shop is excellent — clean, organized, and stocked with professional-grade equipment. Consumables were restocked promptly, enabling uninterrupted progress on my project.
Steve and Lana are generous and gracious hosts—their support, along with the community’s welcoming nature, made for a productive and rewarding experience. I also had the pleasure of connecting with several fellow residents — the camaraderie, exchange of ideas, and shared time led to meaningful conversations and friendships that will continue beyond the residency.
For future residents, I’d recommend arriving with a clear vision and plan. The freedom and resources offered here are substantial, and a strong direction will help you make the most of them.
I feel fortunate to have had the time, latitude, and support to realize an artistic vision clearly. This residency exceeded expectations, and I’m grateful for the experience.
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