In my art, I desire to uncover truths and poetics about that which exists beneath the skin, within the mind, and in nature. Visually, my work resembles a network of tree limbs and roots, veins and arteries, incorporated with the human anatomy and animal forms. These images are revealed as connected, interactive, and interchangeable.

Both plants and animals have a circulatory system, which look and perform a similar function: to sustain life- one with blood and the other with water. I perceive this to be more than coincidence, but rather a universal symbol of life and life paths. In addition, the presence of the human body is indicative of a finite mortality that “feeds” into and off of nature.

In essence, my paintings are metaphorical visions blurring the boundaries between chaos and order, realism and spirituality- observed in life, death and consciousness. Through these works, I aspire to know myself- as well as evoke thought, curiosity and new perspective concerning the human psyche and life philosophy.

Christian R. Duran

[November 2004]