Art of Ben Riddlebarger
Live Long and Tacky
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At Dupont Little Flea Market the first and third Sundays throughout the year
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Art is different for everyone. The Art of Ben Riddlebarger is unique and full of color, whimsy, and a sense of humor. Any bare wall would be better suited with this crazy and unique art. At his booth prints, painted canvases, original watercolors, one of a kind framed pieces, buttons, bumper stickers, and a rotating selection of unique crafts created for any room and any space are available.
Our Story
Born in rural Ohio in 1979 and raised in a christian cult, I grew up sheltered and would only catch glimpses of the big vibrant world from the car window or from songs playing in grocery stores. I would spend a lot of time doodling on anything I could get my hands on.
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One day I was out exploring and found a stack of Heavy Metal Magazines. Inside was full of surreal comics and full-page spreads of fantastical worlds, like the ones I would dream of in my head. I hid them and would secretly lay in bed with a flashlight and study the illustrations and learn every hidden detail in them and I tried to copy the styles in my own art.
In 2008, I lost my brother very tragically. During this time, I mentally shut down. I started drawing squares over and over, to soft music. Slowly I found peace in the repetitive motions of my hand on paper. I began to meditate through it. Eventually I emerged from my shell and back to living. Drawing became an obsession that I needed to give time to everyday. It became more than art, it became a reason to live again, to enjoy the world around me, and to celebrate the friends and family I still had.
I make what I love, I make what I hate, I make what makes me laugh, and I make what helps me heal. I draw to live.
I reside in Dupont Circle and make something new everyday. My art has been featured in magazines, books, album covers, commercial products, graphic novels, stage productions, and Hollywood movies. I love to talk about myself and my art so please indulge me by emailing me at briddlebarger@gmail.com or follow my artworks on Instagram @bennybigmouth or online at www.benriddlebarger.com
