Ben Adams, known in the art world as Mental Ben, is a Portland, Oregon-based artist and sculptor with a distinct aesthetic rooted in character design and illustrative storytelling. As a sculptor at the renowned stop-motion animation studio, Laika, Adams honed his skills in bringing characters to life and fabricating intricate details. His work extends beyond the studio and into his personal creations, which often reflect his unique perspective and passion for designing original figures. His approach is characterized by a deep-seated desire for invention over imitation, a philosophy he has expressed by preferring to create his own unique Halloween characters rather than conforming to pre-existing ones.
Adams gained particular recognition for his custom-designed tiki mugs, which showcase his masterful sculpting and imaginative artistry. These ceramic creations embody his idiosyncratic style, merging pop culture, monstrous elements, and a whimsical spirit into functional art pieces. Through his work, Adams invites viewers into a world of his own making, filled with inventive personalities and meticulous craftsmanship, whether for a major studio production or an intimate, hand-sculpted tiki mug.