Short Biography of Arturo Araujo, S.J.

Born in the Caribbean city of Barranquilla, Colombia in1967, Araujo joined the Society of Jesus in 1986. He served in pastoral ministries in various parishes in his own country. Ordained in 1999, Father Araujo first assignment as a priest was Director of Campus Ministry at Colegio Berchmans in Cali, Colombia.  Nine years ago, he moved to United States and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Seattle University and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Cornish College of the Arts.  He was a teacher of printmaking and ceramics at Seattle University. Currently, hi is a 3rd Year MFA student in printmaking and ceramics at University of New Mexico.

Artist's Statement

I create images of germination. I see the universe folding and unfolding, wrapping around me with its dynamic forces.   Some may call it “hallucination,” but I call it “revelation.” It is a revelation in two dimensions. The first is an experience that comes to me naturally; I do not invent it or look for it. The second is an experience that brings me an understanding of the relationship between the universe and myself.

I understand that everything in the universe is interwoven and interconnected. I have the certainty of belonging to that universe because I am made from its materials. I draw, print, paint, and throw clay as activities that express that experience of unity.