Reclaiming Our Lives Through Art
Dale Collins’ bold, abstract works function as a deeply personal form of self-portraiture. Through his layered paintings and drawings, he transforms fragments of memory and struggle into visual language—gestural marks, graffiti-like scribbles, and delicate shifts of color that together mirror the complexities of human experience.
In 1999, during a period of severe illness, Collins was committed to The Cornwall County Asylum, where he reconnected with the graffiti artist Vermin. Both were battling psychosis at the time. From this turbulence, Collins emerged with a renewed commitment to art, developing the richly textured style that has since brought him recognition.
Now living and working as a full-time painter in Drogheda, Co. Louth, Collins channels his past into original works that are both raw and contemplative. While Vermin continues to navigate life within the confines of illness, Collins translates their shared shadow into paintings that are powerful, at times heartbreaking, yet ultimately hopeful. His art stands as both personal testimony and a universal reflection on resilience, recovery, and the possibility of transformation.
"Brother, our journeys began in shadow. In 1999, when we found ourselves together in The Cornwall County Asylum, both of us were lost inside the storm of psychosis. Out of that chaos, I found a path—through paint, through line, through the act of creating. Each canvas became a place where I could pour the confusion and hurt, and in return it gave me back a little peace, a little clarity."
Art became my medicine. It helped me translate pain into meaning, and slowly, I found my way toward healing and a new life as a painter. But this path is not mine alone. It is open to you too.
I believe art can be your way forward—the same way it was for me. Through color, gesture, and mark, you can reclaim your voice, not as “Vermin” confined by illness, but as an artist free to tell his truth.
I walk ahead on this road not to leave you behind, but to light the way. You can step onto it too. The struggle does not define us—the art does. And through it, recovery is not just possible, it is waiting. - Dale Collins
Vermin Graffiti by Contemporary Artist Dale Collins
In the spring of 1999, in Bristol, UK, the notorious graffiti artist known as 'Vermin' scrawled the words "I want to create something indescribable" on a wall, with the now-famous Banksy looking on as they discussed graffiti.
By that summer, Vermin was committed to St. Lawrence's Mental Hospital, one of the UK's oldest asylums, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his life. Twenty-five years later, the artist is still fighting for his existence.
Join artist Dale Collins as he captures this poignant and true story of Vermin's graffiti through the lens of friendship, painting a beautiful and compelling narrative.
Dale's artwork has adorned both collectors' walls and public spaces for many years, deeply rooted in street art culture. We offer a selection of original art for sale, catering to discerning collectors with the utmost discretion. Our collection includes heavily textured graffiti pieces, a range of watercolors, and street art prints.If you're interested in purchasing, we can provide a document detailing current availability upon request. Though based in County Louth, we're just a short journey from Dublin and its vibrant art scene.
