About

3rd Version, aka Ben Patterson, is a full-time visual artist based out of Colorado, USA. Ben has lived across the continental US and continues to travel abroad to further expand his love and understanding of this rock we call Earth. 3rd Version, not just a moniker, but a reminder to grow and to continually evolve.

3rd (The next, after the second)
Version (An account of a matter from a particular person’s point of view)

More about me:

I excel in self-sabotage, without even thinking I can give up on something regardless of the work, time, or money put into it. Everyday I deal with a different variety of mood swings and emotional states. I assumed I had some sort of bi-polar disease, maybe some ADHD, possibly personality disorder. It was none of these.

In 2023 I started a journey to find an answer that has always baffled me. Why do I create art? Is it for validation, fame, therapy, money, or maybe it's to leave behind a legacy? After struggling to answer this for nearly two years, I have begun to paint again with the sole purpose of answering this question. I believe I finally come up with an answer to something that has been confusing me for over 15 years. I create art for one reason and that is I create art for myself. Pretty simple huh?!

Once I answered this, I answered another question that is even older, “Why do I self-sabotage?” Everything I have done until this point of my life has been for someone else. That has left me a shell with no self-esteem, no value, and no worth. The sad part is this was all done by myself, but no longer. Now is the time of self-love and care. 

Through these new paintings I hope to reconnect with myself, so I can find my value and grow my worth. Maybe they can help others too, but for now and the inconceivable future -
This is for me.