Jai Benteau is a multidisciplinary artist born and raised in Calgary (Mohkinstis).

With formal training from Alberta University of the Arts and the International Academy of Design in Montréal, his practice is shaped by the intersection of fine art and design. This dual foundation has guided over two decades of creative work, allowing him to merge traditional painting and drawing techniques with strong composition, visual storytelling, and an understanding of how imagery functions in public space.

His artistic process is rooted in curiosity, experimentation, and material exploration. Jai works intuitively, often beginning with symbolic forms, natural textures, and geometric structures that evolve through layering, colour, and surface treatment. His background in design supports his ability to create imagery that is bold, readable, and adaptable to scale, making his work well suited for murals and public-facing environments.

Drawing inspiration from fungi, natural medicines, upcycled antiques, and sacred geometry, Jai’s work bridges organic and symbolic worlds. His compositions juxtapose iconographic imagery and subtle nostalgia with moss-like textures, vibrant colour palettes, and unmistakable mushroom forms. These elements create visual environments that feel playful, immersive, and contemplative, inviting viewers into a deeper relationship with nature and imagination.

At the heart of his practice is a desire to shift attention away from digital saturation, disposable culture, and artificial consumption, and toward the depth, intelligence, and regenerative power of the natural world. His work explores themes of ecological balance, environmental awareness, and interconnectedness through a lens of spiritual naturalism, presenting nature as an active and intelligent system worthy of respect and curiosity.

Jai’s visual language is especially suited to public art contexts where clarity, colour, and accessibility are essential. He is drawn to creating work that is functional, engaging, and joyful, while still holding conceptual depth. His imagery is designed to be visually strong from a distance and richly detailed up close, making it well suited for unconventional surfaces such as concrete barriers, murals, and outdoor installations.

In addition to his studio practice, Jai is deeply committed to community-based art and immersive creative experiences. He is the founder and organizer of the Mush Love Exhibition & Market, now entering its fourth year, a two-week festival that brings artists from across Canada together to celebrate fungi, art, and nature-inspired creativity. Through both his personal artwork and his community projects, Jai aims to create accessible, visually rich experiences that encourage connection, imagination, and a renewed relationship with the natural world.