A love of the sea from an early age was inspired by stories from my grandfather, who worked on many of the river steamers in Hobart, and my father, who told stories of his adventures on these ships as a child.
My childhood was spent sailing, cruising and exploring the waterways around Hobart in the vessels my father had built. This is where I get my inspiration for my art from.
My interest in art was rekindled when I joined the Royal Australian Navy, and my mind was opened up to the movement of vessels in the element for which they are built. I would find a quiet place at the end of each day and put pencil to paper to record what I had seen. From this time,
In the Navy, I was always called Wiggy, a traditional name for those with the surname of Bennett, and sign off my artwork with the name Wiggy Bennett.
I primarily draw in pencil, but have recently moved into water colour, acrylics and oil painting.