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# Vinyl-Based Couple Portraits
Ben Riley Immortalizes Lovers on Canvas with Crushed Vinyl

By Kalin Ned | Published 2018-01-23 | Art & Design
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/canvas-with-crushed-vinyl
References: [veryfirstto](http://www.veryfirstto.com/never-done-before/valentines-vinyl-a-portrait-of-you-and-your-loved-one-created-from-a-smashe/)

Artist Ben Riley creates mesmerizing [couple portraits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portrait-mom) on a 30'' x 30'' canvas with crushed vinyl — a wonderful and original gift idea for this upcoming [Valentine's Day](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/valentines-caviar-collections). The technique is unique to Ben, as he is the only artist in the world who grinds down records into dust and grit. The composition is dazzling and one of a kind, Ben punctures the piece with the larger shards to create texture and shadows. Throughout the creative process, no additional tools like pens, pencils, charcoal are used.

Naming it 'Valentine's Vinyl,' this will be the first time in the artist's career that he will be making a couple's portrait with their [love soundtrack](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sound-of-a-masterpiece). This will ultimately create an authentic "visual representation of the music they love." The end result will be a mesmerizing and unique present, with an emotionally supercharged message.

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 1.5/10
- Popularity: 22% | Activity: 14% | Freshness: 8%
- Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X
- Top markets: North America, Europe

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design)

## Key Themes

### Key Themes Behind This Trend

- **Crushed Vinyl Portraits:** Opportunity for artists to explore unique techniques and materials to create personalized artworks.
- **Music-inspired Art:** Incorporating music into visual art can create emotional connections and unique storytelling experiences.
- **Personalized Gift Ideas:** Growing demand for personalized and unique gift options for special occasions like Valentine's Day.

### Where This Applies

- **Art and Design:** Artists can leverage innovative techniques to create one-of-a-kind artworks for collectors and gift buyers.
- **Music and Entertainment:** Convergence of music and visual art can provide new avenues for musicians and artists to collaborate and engage with audiences.
- **E-commerce and Retail:** Businesses can capitalize on the demand for personalized gifts by offering customized products and experiences.

## Related on Trend Hunter

- [Travel-Inspired Gift Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/adventurous-couples-valentines-day-set.md)
- [Surreal Love-Themed Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joakim-ojanen.md)
- [Customized Valentine's Cards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/angels-envy.md)
- [Tissue Box Record Sleeves](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fall-out-boy-album.md)
- [Music-Focused Dating Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vinylly.md)
- [Vinyl Record Credenzas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/geology-studio.md)
- [Milestone-Marking Relationship Maps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lovecation-moments.md)
- [Archival Pigment Art Print](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/parallax.md)
- [Fashion House Checkered Vinyls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/special-vinyl-record.md)