On October 14, 2018 I was lucky enough to share the stage with Jon Butcher, a celebrated artist from Chicago. He and I share a passion for speaking out and lending our voice to the issues surrounding addiction in all forms.
Jon and I were both keynote speakers at the 2018 CalChiro Annual Convention in San Diego, CA. Jon premiered his short film, Black Star, about the making of this painting on Saturday evening October 13th. In the film Jon revealed that the center circle of the painting remained empty until the morning of David Bowie's death.
The next day, I was the closing keynote speaker. My topic, of course, was the over prescription of opioids. When I finished several Chiropractors approached me stating that the stage behind me was filled with the spirits of addicts, many of whom were memorialized in the Black Star painting.
My husband and I purchased a Black Star lithograph (photo right). It hangs in our kitchen today.
“I was able to discontinue all pain medications through a process of forgiveness and self-awareness. It wasn’t easy. It was against medical advice. I wouldn’t recommend it to everybody, but it is possible.” – Ginny Jablonski
Artists For Addicts, Black Star Project
Jon Butcher
Winner, Audience Award, Best Short Film
Illuminate Film Festival, 2018
For more of the story click here for a preview and more:
https://www.facebook.com/artistsforaddicts/videos/1726278480792518/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTkje3cCqHQ
"I consider Ms. Jablonski a person of knowledge and great character. She also is an articulate and engaging speaker. Her presentation is one of pain, redemption and the power of the human spirit. It was plain to me that sharing her story is a real mission for herself and her family."
David A. Sheitelman, DC
Past President, Arizona Association of Chiropractic
