Meet Cal Duran: Art Educator, Master of Mud, and Community Bridge Builder

My first encounter with Cal Duran (he/him) was at his Denver Art Museum Untitled: Artist Takeover show. Cal is a Colorado-based art educator, clay sculptor, and community advocate. While I didn’t have much interaction with him during that show in particular, the energy and vibration with which he conducted himself left a definite impression.

Cal’s presence reverberates with purpose, and he doesn’t walk; he floats. If you’ve ever been lucky enough to share space with Cal, you know what I mean. Recently, I was able to chat with Cal about his upbringing, inspirations, and artistic process.

Cal is a queer, Two Spirit, Indigenous, Native, Latinx, Manito, Mestizo, Chicanx, Indian artist and arts educator from Colorado. His origin story is uniquely his own but is reminiscent of the challenges that many Indigenous artists experience when finding their way. With roots that bring together Indian, Mexican, and Indigenous cultures, he channels those who came before him when he creates. Having works displayed in virtually every museum in Colorado and becoming an art educator, you would hardly realize the artist’s humble beginnings.

Sharing some intimate details of his upbringing, Cal shed light on his childhood and how, even from a young age, art is what brought him back to himself. His mother was adopted and therefore disconnected from her culture, while his father was not a solid fixture in his upbringing. He credits his connection to nature, his ancestors, and innate curiosity growing up all as catalysts for his artistic evolution. He playfully jokes about not enjoying the institution of school growing up but embraces his role as an adult in the cultivating of young artist minds.

Working with a variety of mediums, Cal is known for his altars, installations, and clay sculptures that are indicative of his diverse cultural heritage. Clay is one of Cal’s most frequent mediums. Holding all of the sacred elements of earth, water, fire, and air, working with clay can be a significantly grounding experience. Additionally, Cal creates intricately woven portals using yarn and sticks. These Ojo de Dios weavings are said to be a ritual tool for protection, connection, and ancestral wisdom.

“I am in gratitude every day that I get to use my hands to create. My joy is when I get to step into the imagination, when I get to travel into new realms, greeting spirit with open arms,” says Cal.

Community engagement and bridge building are cornerstones of Cal’s work. Reflecting on how he has been accused of cultural appropriation in the past, Cal expresses a deep desire to build bridges between communities. Honoring and highlighting each individual’s special gifts, abilities, and knowledge are all instrumental to the creative process Cal incorporates into the work that he does as a creator and educator. The ability to teach the next generations how to create safe spaces for true artistic expression is a true calling for Cal.

Currently, Cal works closely with the Downtown Aurora Visual Arts (DAVA), with the shared vision to activate young peoples’ full potential through the arts. Cal also supports and works with ReCreative, a nonprofit with a dedication to promoting creativity, community, and environmental stewardship through creative reuse and arts education.

Featured image credit Sophia Isabel Calderón