Ben Cabot is a Martha’s Vineyard sculptor whose work is collected on the Island and by institutions and private collectors throughout the nation. Originally a full-time stonemason, Ben taught himself the art of stone carving, inspired by the Island’s rich biodiversity of birds and sea creatures. 

He first sees his subject in the stone, and sculpts away the rest. Be it a red-tailed hawk, an eagle or sea lion.

Ben works in regional granite, salvaged from bridge abutment blocks, curbstones, foundation block and other structures. He also recycles the Island’s granite fences and gateposts, which were made from boulders created by glaciers. He chooses these stones because of the natural imperfections not found in newer quarried stone. Ben finds beauty in the imperfections and meets the challenge of maintaining the structural integrity while creating his sculptures. And the finished work will weather to become even more beautiful as they keep watch for centuries to come.

"My birds take on their own personality and individuality. I intentionally make each one different, allowing each bird to take on a likeness of its own.”

Ben grew up summering Martha’s Vineyard. After graduating from Bates College in 1990, he moved to the island full time. He and his wife Nicole raised their children here and reside in West Tisbury with their chickens and dogs.