Christopher Kramer
Portland, Oregon

Women and Roses

12.5" x 9.25" x 3.25"

$700-- To Purchase Contact 23 Sandy Gallery

blackspring413@aol.com

Artist Statement

In my adaptation of Robert Browning’s poem Women and Roses, I thought it necessary to explore the mystical union that takes place between artist and muse. I felt it essential to investigate the depth of the poetic exchange that occurs when one is “taken” by a lover; the intangible compulsion towards obsession, the way in which commonplace reality slips away, and the intensity of the moment becomes dire in its drive towards a romantic conclusion.

The symbol of  “the rose” is an example of this idea. J.E. Cirlot, in his work entitled A Dictionary of Symbols, reinforces this notion by describing the similarities between “the rose” and the sexual union of masculine and feminine. He states, “the single rose is, in essence, a symbol of completion, of consummate achievement and perfection. Hence, accruing to it are all those ideas associated with these qualities: the mystic center, the heart, the garden of Eros, the paradise of Dante, the beloved, the emblem of Venus, and so on”. This exploration of the erotic tendency is the cornerstone of all that is dear to me, and in creating this current work, I felt satisfied in conveying the spirit of Eros to the audience. 

Artist Biography

Christopher Kramer has been creating multi-layered dream-like drawings, paintings, collages and artist books for over ten years. His work has been shown in numerous regional galleries in Detroit, MI and Portland, OR. Christopher is currently a third year BFA student in Book Arts at The Oregon College of Art and Craft. 

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