He received his BFA from SMFA Boston and Tufts University in 1991. He also studied painting with Carlos Cajori at the Studio School of New York. Ben refined his skills as a craftsman during his 10 years building musical instruments. In 1999, Ben began training as a coppersmith and silversmith under nationally known metal artist Terry Tally. He has been featured in national publications, museums, and recently by Oprah in "O" Magazine as one of her "favorite things".