In 2010, Ben created his most personal collection to date. "A New Use for Syringes" recounted his battle with drug addiction, a lifestyle that had consumed more than half his life. The exhibition numbered 79 pieces, all of which were painted using syringes to distribute the paint. The former addict transformed the tool of his near demise into an instrument of rebirth and the meaning and beauty could be seen in every canvas. The show launched at the prestigious Michael Murphy Gallery in Tampa and ended its seven-city tour at the critically acclaimed "Voices of the Warehouse District" show in Dubuque.
I just finished a piece called “Finding A Good Vein.” It is a simple painting with a flesh toned background, layers of black and gray lines and a single red line running through the middle. I love the painting and so far, it is the first in the collection that I have had an emotional response to, I remembered vividly trying to find a vein that had not given in to the daily abuse of intravenous drug use.
My recovery has been about layers and this collection is taking on that same feeling. I am allowing myself to go back to my first year of recovery. I am trying to rediscover the emotions that come within the first year and see if I can capture that rawness on canvas.
Terms liked “collapsed vein” and “blown vein” were commonplace in my world and I get such a feeling of accomplishment knowing that my veins are renewed, my skin has healed, and more importantly, I am strong enough to allow myself to remember those lonely days of vein searching.
