In the vibrant tapestry of Dallas’s creative scene, visual artist and designer Ben Lewis stands out as a true visionary, embodying a unique blend of creativity, craftsmanship, and an undeniable coolness. His work transcends conventional boundaries, leaving an indelible mark on everything from high-end retail displays to iconic public spaces and the intimate realm of music appreciation. Recently, we had the distinct pleasure of catching up with this uber-creative force at 20c Design, a revered Design District sanctuary for exquisite 20th-century furniture and art, to delve into his latest endeavors and explore the multifaceted dimensions of his artistic journey.
Lewis’s passion for design is palpable, and it’s no surprise that his current part-time role at 20c Design is a source of immense inspiration. The establishment itself is a veritable museum of design history, housing pieces that are not merely furniture but timeless works of art. “Everything in here is simply amazing,” Lewis enthuses, his eyes alight as he gestures around the space. “You’re surrounded by masterpieces—be it an iconic Eames chair, a sophisticated Platner design, or some other wonderfully eccentric creation. Right now, we’re seated at a distinguished Knoll table, and the opportunity to work amidst these legendary pieces, understanding the meticulous craftsmanship that went into their making by the masters, is truly invaluable.” This environment clearly fuels his appreciation for design heritage and meticulous artistry, which in turn influences his contemporary projects.
During our conversation, Lewis’s keen eye for distinctive objects became immediately apparent. He points to an extraordinary sculpture of a majestic horse, ingeniously crafted from an array of elegant hangers. “That striking piece originally graced the very heart of Barney’s New York,” he explains, painting a picture of its prominent display in one of the world’s most iconic department stores. “Imagine how perfectly that would complement the aesthetic of someone like Nancy Nasher, who possesses such a discerning taste for unique art.” This detail not only highlights his appreciation for unique installations but also his deep understanding of design aesthetics and their suitable placement.
Continuing our tour of treasures, Lewis proudly showcases a vintage Clairtone G2 turntable, a coveted piece among audiophiles and collectors. With a knowing smile, he shares, “LeBron James himself recently acquired one of these from us, and he even featured it prominently on his Twitter account.” This anecdote not only underscores the timeless appeal of these classic designs but also illustrates Lewis’s connection to a diverse clientele, ranging from discerning art collectors to celebrity enthusiasts. It’s clear that his work at 20c Design isn’t just a job; it’s a deep dive into the history and continued relevance of exceptional design.
The Rhythmic Heartbeat of Design: Ben Lewis’s Deep Dive into Vinyl Culture and Audio Aesthetics
The conversation naturally veers towards Lewis’s other profound passion: vinyl records and the rich culture surrounding them. A self-admitted audiophile, Lewis’s life and numerous artistic projects are deeply rooted in music. His expertise extends beyond mere appreciation; he played a pivotal role in shaping the iconic look and immersive feel of Josey Records, a cornerstone of the independent record store scene. Working in close collaboration with owners Waric Cameron and Luke Sardello, Lewis was instrumental in defining the aesthetic for the original Farmers Branch location and subsequently extended his creative direction to their satellite stores, ensuring a consistent and captivating brand identity.
“Waric and Luke and I go way back; we were old friends from our days in the DJ world,” Lewis reminisces, highlighting the organic beginnings of their collaboration. “When they embarked on the ambitious journey of opening Josey Records, they reached out to me, asking for my help with the creative direction and visual branding. It was a project born out of shared passion and mutual respect.” His contributions proved to be transformative, as he proudly states, “They’ve now blossomed into one of the largest and most respected independent record stores across the United States.” This success is a testament to the power of design in creating not just a retail space, but a vibrant cultural hub. His influence also extended to high fashion, where he worked with Stanley Korshak Visual Director Bret McKinney on vinyl-inspired windows, showcasing how music culture seamlessly integrates into luxury retail aesthetics.
Further deepening his connection to audio, Lewis is currently undertaking an invaluable apprenticeship with renowned woodworker John Semrad. Semrad is celebrated for crafting exquisite, high-fidelity speakers that are as much works of art as they are precision audio instruments. “When I first discovered the incredible work John was doing, creating these truly phenomenal speakers, I knew instantly that I had to be a part of it,” Lewis explains with conviction. “I approached him and told him I absolutely had to work for him, even if it meant doing so without pay. The opportunity to learn from such a master of his craft, to understand the intricacies of acoustic design and woodworking, was something I couldn’t pass up.” This dedication to learning and mastering new skills speaks volumes about his commitment to his craft.
This apprenticeship is proving to be excellent preparation for an exciting upcoming venture. Lewis is collaborating with an old high school friend to establish a unique vinyl bar in South Africa, the country where he spent his formative years. “Joe was, in fact, the very first DJ I ever encountered,” Lewis recalls, his voice tinged with nostalgia. “I remember helping him meticulously set up his sound system and organize the school disco events back then. That experience had a profound and lasting effect on me, sparking my lifelong fascination with music, sound, and the communal experience of sharing it.” This project is not merely a business venture; it’s a return to his roots, a tribute to a friendship, and a continuation of a passion ignited decades ago.
At the age of 17, Lewis made the significant move back to the United States, where his artistic inclinations naturally led him into the vibrant underground rave and party scene. “At a certain point,” he recounts, “people began to ask me to handle the decorations and visual elements for these events. It was incredibly fulfilling creatively, but I also understood the practical necessity of securing stable employment.” This early exposure to creating immersive environments laid the groundwork for his future career in visual design.
Driven by the need to work, Lewis took a job selling shoes at Nordstrom. (“I was literally an Al Bundy figure,” he jokes good-naturedly, referencing the iconic TV character known for his shoe sales career.) However, his attention was consistently drawn away from the sales floor to the store’s visual merchandising team. “They were constantly moving around the store, doing these incredibly cool and inventive things with displays,” he remembers. “I realized almost immediately that if I were to stay in retail, that’s precisely what I wanted to be doing. That was where the true creativity and visual impact lay.” This pivotal observation marked a clear turning point in his career path, steering him towards the world of visual artistry.
From Retail Floors to Global Luxury: The Ascendance of a Visual Merchandising Maestro
It quickly became evident that Lewis possessed an extraordinary talent for visual merchandising. He wasn’t just good; he was exceptional. Today, Lewis is the creative force behind window displays for an impressive roster of luxury retail giants, a clientele that reads like a definitive who’s who of high fashion and prestige brands. His portfolio boasts collaborations with illustrious names such as Fendi, Dior, Traffic LA, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, and the esteemed Stanley Korshak, among many others. His ability to translate a brand’s essence into captivating visual narratives makes him a highly sought-after artist in the competitive world of luxury retail.
Among his numerous projects, Lewis fondly recalls his transformative tenure at NorthPark Barney’s, a period he cherishes for the unparalleled creative freedom it afforded him. “They truly empowered me to execute the most imaginative and audacious displays,” he explains, his excitement evident. “On my very first day there, we embarked on building a massive moose sculpture, which we then meticulously covered in intricate denim fabric and adorned with an array of stylish watches. It was an incredibly hands-on and creatively liberating experience that set the tone for my time there.” This project exemplifies his ability to merge unexpected elements into cohesive and visually striking installations, leaving a lasting impression on shoppers and solidifying his reputation as a visionary in the field.
Lewis’s distinctive visual flair did not go unnoticed by the culinary world. Restaurateurs, eager to infuse their establishments with unique character, soon sought out his talents. Among his most memorable projects in this realm is the creation of a monumental woodblock wall at the former Shoals restaurant. Lewis describes it as “probably the coolest thing I’ve ever done,” reflecting the sheer scale and artistic impact of the installation. This intricate piece transformed a simple wall into a textural masterpiece, providing an unforgettable backdrop for diners. Currently, he is channeling his creative energy into designing captivating wall art for Gloria’s Latin Cuisine, promising to bring another layer of visual delight to the popular establishment. Another standout was his work at El Bolero, where he orchestrated a dazzling installation of 500 Patron tequila bottles suspended gracefully from the ceiling, creating a shimmering, dynamic focal point that truly elevated the dining experience.
Further testament to Lewis’s diverse skill set can be found prominently displayed throughout the AT&T Discovery District, a bustling urban oasis in downtown Dallas. Here, his imaginative touch transforms everyday elements into extraordinary art installations that engage and delight the public. Consider Jaxon the Jackelope in the beer garden—a playful, iconic figure meticulously crafted from upcycled logs, showcasing Lewis’s commitment to sustainable artistry. The beer garden’s 80 taps are not merely functional; they are adorned with genuine deer antlers, adding a rustic yet sophisticated charm that perfectly complements the outdoor setting. Perhaps one of his most challenging, yet rewarding, projects involved replicating the vibrant, neon-like effect of Hatziel Flores’s distinct artwork. After enduring months of meticulous trial and error, Lewis successfully achieved this breathtaking visual illusion using a precise combination of high-quality Baltic birch plywood, carefully selected acrylics, and state-of-the-art LED lighting. This project exemplifies his technical prowess and unwavering dedication to bringing complex artistic visions to life, making the AT&T Discovery District a vibrant canvas for his multifaceted talents.
Away from the urban bustle, Lewis finds his equilibrium and recharges his creative spirit on his family’s sprawling 32-acre property in Seville, a tranquil retreat located just a convenient 25-minute drive from downtown Dallas. This serene environment offers him the perfect sanctuary to unwind, conceptualize new ideas, and simply “figure things out”—a trait deeply embedded in his creative DNA. It’s in this peaceful setting that he envisions his ambitious future projects, often involving the meticulous organization and movement of his beloved record collection.
“I’ve devoted an entire room at the house exclusively to my ever-growing collection of records,” he shares with a grin, gesturing towards an unseen trove of musical history. “My current, rather challenging, goal is to devise the most efficient and secure way to transport approximately 83,000 records on a shipping container all the way to Johannesburg, South Africa.” This monumental undertaking speaks volumes about his enduring passion for vinyl and his deep connection to his South African roots, illustrating that for Ben Lewis, design is not merely a profession but a way of life—a constant exploration of aesthetics, sound, and the profound impact they have on our shared human experience.