It was never Ben Workman’s plan to become a world-renowned artist and accessories designer. But that’s exactly how this 57-year-old artist is living his best life while teaching some important lessons. While Workman’s dream may not have been to become an artist, he’s always lived a life dedicated to kindness and spreading happiness.
Workman was born and raised in Texas, at a time when being gay was not widely accepted. It’s why he worried about upsetting his family, particularly his mother, who was of frail health, so he kept closeted.
His life had two major turning points, where he used prayer and reflection to rebound from unthinkable traumas. The first came after the passing of his beloved mother. One day, she was feeling ill, and Workman was summoned to drive her to the hospital. While riding with his parents, his mother suffered a fatal heart attack. In his haste to reach the hospital, Workman crashed the car. Though his mother was gone before the accident, Workman blamed himself and sunk into deep depression.
Hitting a low point, Workman prayed for answers. In 1992, he found the strength to be true to himself and live privately as a gay man. Things were starting to work out for him. He had followed in his father’s footsteps and found a fulfilling career working at the Veteran’s Affairs Hospital. He met his life partner, David, and was living a quiet and happy life.
Trouble started when Workman caught the attention of one of his female co-workers. She had set her sights on him and began an aggressive pursuit. When he didn’t return her affections, things got ugly. Scorned, the woman outed Workman and started a vicious attack on his reputation. His work environment became hostile, and the bullying became intolerable. Finally, he filed a harassment suit, which he won. That lawsuit was followed by a job re-assignment and further retaliation from his boss. After another legal suit, in which he prevailed, his career was left in ruins. He was betrayed by a system that didn’t punish the offenders, and he was forced to leave a job he loved.
For a second time, in 2011, Workman turned to prayer and had a self-described “spiritual awakening.” Though he had no formal training as an artist, he felt a strong calling to begin painting.
Instead of painting as himself, he created a clown character, whom he dubbed “Jumper.” Jumper wasn’t a new name to Workman; it was an affectionate title his grandfather, who was a professional clown, gave him when he was four. Once he picked the name, he never looked back.
“My life is dedicated to helping others from overcoming acts of intolerance and bullying,” Workman said. “My art and products are to be a beacon to drive my message forward.”
Workman was invited in 2012 to participate in Art Dubai, an international festival much like Miami’s Art Basel. He’s showed in Venice and at Paris’ famed Gallerie du Louvre. He has expanded his collection to include vibrant home decor items, such as pillows, rugs and vases. He’s recently added handmade scarves, handbags and masks. He’s collected by celebrities, including Jazz Jennings, Edward James Olmos and Pepe Serna.
A documentary entitled “The Jumper Maybach Story” will debut this year on streaming services, including Netflix and Hulu.
jumpermaybach.com
