Our Artist Kris Curran At Curran Artworks

The Story of Kris Curran and the Birth of Curran Artworks

My name is Kris Curran, and my journey as an artist has been anything but ordinary.

I was born and raised in Alberta, Canada, where my love for drawing began almost as soon as I could hold a pencil. As a kid, I was captivated by comic book heroes, movie characters, and anything that sparked my imagination. I’d spend hours sketching scenes from my favorite films or creating original characters from the worlds I dreamed up. It wasn’t just a pastime—it was a passion that gave me a way to express the ideas and energy constantly swirling in my head.

As I grew older, my love for art only deepened. That passion led me to a career as a tattoo artist—a path where my imagination, technical skill, and attention to detail could merge. For the next 16 years, I lived and breathed tattooing. I loved it. Every piece I inked was personal, permanent, and meaningful. I built relationships with my clients, turning their stories into visual art they’d carry for life. It was more than a job—it was an extension of who I was.

Then, everything changed.

After what should have been a routine eye surgery, I experienced a rare and devastating complication. I lost the sight in my left eye. In an instant, my career as a tattoo artist was over. The precision and depth perception required for tattooing were no longer possible. I was heartbroken. I had spent nearly two decades doing what I loved, and suddenly, it was gone.

In the months that followed, I felt lost. Unsure of what to do next, I stopped creating altogether—until one conversation turned everything around.

One day, while catching up with my Aunt Cindy, she said something that stuck with me. She reminded me that my talent wasn’t limited to tattoos. She encouraged me to pick up my pens and brushes again—not just for myself, but to share my art with the world. That conversation lit a spark in me I hadn’t felt since I was a kid sketching superheroes in my room.

And that’s when Curran Artworks was born.

Today, through Curran Artworks, I create original hand-drawn animal and pet art using alcohol-colored pens and India ink, as well as hand-painted works in acrylic and oil. Each piece is deeply personal, a tribute to the resilience of creativity and the beauty of animals that continue to inspire me every day. I've also expanded into creating merchandise—bringing my art to prints, apparel, and decor that allow others to enjoy these pieces in their own spaces.

Losing part of my vision changed my life—but it didn’t take away my passion for art. If anything, it gave it a new purpose. Through Curran Artworks, I get to continue telling stories, celebrating life, and honoring the connection we share with the animals and pets who mean so much to us.

This is more than a business. It’s my comeback story—written in ink, paint, and perseverance.