A layered portrait: painting, storytelling, and video
During his Project 14C residency in the spring of 2026, artist Ben Fine teamed up with journalist Tris McCall to expand the Pink Armchair Portraits through conversation and video. Participants were interviewed and painted simultaneously, creating portraits in both words and images.
Author and podcaster Suzanne Clores joined The Pink Armchair Portraits to discuss her memoir Memoirs of a Spiritual Outsider, the creation of The Extraordinary Project podcast, and her lifelong exploration of spirituality, wonder, and the unknown. Her writing and commentary have appeared in The New York Times, NPR, Salon, Elle, The Rumpus, and numerous other publications and media outlets.
Suzanne Clores
Ben Fine " SUZANNE CLORES", acrylic on canvas, 26" x 26", 2026
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Alvin Hall
Internationally renowned financial educator, broadcaster, and author Alvin Hall- took a seat in The Pink Armchair Portraits to share memories of his childhood, discuss the lasting emotional impact of gospel music, and reflect on a life lived with curiosity, purpose, and a focus on the future.
Ben Fine " ALVIN HALL", acrylic on canvas, 26" x 26", 2026
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Bandola virtuoso, composer, producer, and cultural leader Mafer Bandola joined us for The Pink Armchair Portraits to share stories of her Venezuelan roots, discuss the traditions and evolution of joropo music, and reflect on a life dedicated to cultural connection, creativity, and community.
Mafer Bandola
Ben Fine " MAFER BANDOLA", acrylic on canvas, 26" x 26", 2026
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Who Are We
ARTIST
JOURNALIST
Ben Fine is a New Jersey–based multidisciplinary artist working from his studio in Jersey City. A graduate of Sarah Lawrence College, his work spans painting, animation, film, and comics, united by a passion for storytelling. Since 2019, he has focused primarily on painting, creating projects such as The Pink Armchair Portraits, which explore individuality, connection, and collective humanity.
Tris McCall is an experienced interviewer who has fashioned conversations with politicians, community organizers, showrunners, and other decision makers into articles that make the priorities and motivations of his subjects manifest for readers.
Eye Level, his website dedicated to the examination of Jersey City visual arts, is funded by an Andy Warhol Arts Writers Grant.