About Mark Bentley

Over the last 28 years I’ve worked in various aspects of marketing and advertising for a well known northwest fashion retailer.  Before that I put my hand to printing, graphic design and early digital publishing.

During my turn at the University of Washington I had the privilege of studying under the tutelage of luminaries such as Alden Mason in painting and Paul Berger in photography.  Prior to that I was able to take instruction from sculptor Ray Jensen, at Bellevue Community College. 

Preceding them all though I had the great fortune to begin my creative path under Ron Ho, a well known northwest jewelry designer.  Mr. Ho was a terrific mentor and teacher who truly set me on the path of ‘seeing art' in everything as I began to develop my skills as an artist, lessons I hold dear to this day.

I grew up in a family that is steeped in observing nature with all of its beauty and complexity.  We each set out in our own ways to view it, photograph it, carve it, paint it, and raise it up to the public for preservation and conservation.

All of these influences and confluences have brought me here today.