# Blood-Infused Paintings Artist Vincent Castiglia Uses his Own Blood to Paint Masterpieces By Erin Fox | Published 2012-10-07 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vincent-castiglia References: [odditycentral](http://www.odditycentral.com/pics/new-york-artist-paints-with-his-own-blood.html) & [vincentcastigliaart](http://vincentcastigliaart.com/) Artist Vincent Castiglia does the unthinkable; he uses his own blood to paint his masterpieces. Castiglia claims it's to “dissolve the barrier between art and artist,” according to his site. He has used a total of 12 pints of his own blood to paint with in his short career. The 30 year-old painter began using this technique 10 years ago. He bases his work out of New York City and has a small collective following. Vincent Castiglia first draws his artwork on a [white canvas with graphite tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/image-painter). Once he extracts his blood, he dilutes it with water and [paints the canvas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yolo-paint) afterwards. The iron oxide found in blood is a similar element found in paints; therefore, working with the theme of traditional paint. Prices range from $950 to $26,000. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.9/10 - Popularity: 41% | Activity: 37% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) > [Bizarre](https://www.trendhunter.com/bizarre) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Blood-based Art:** The use of unconventional materials in art, including blood, can create disruption in the art world, sparking new conversations about the value of art and the meaning behind it. - **Bio-based Materials:** The trend of using materials derived from living organisms in art and design can lead to new innovations in sustainable materials and eco-friendly practices. - **Personal Connection in Art:** The use of an artist's own blood in artwork can create a deeper sense of connection and authenticity for both the artist and the viewer, leading to new opportunities for emotional engagement in art experiences. ### Where This Applies - **Fine Art:** The traditional fine art industry can explore new avenues for creativity and experimentation by embracing unconventional materials like blood, attracting a new generation of collectors and enthusiasts. - **Biotech:** The biotech industry can explore new ways to utilize blood and other biological materials in art creation, potentially leading to new applications in medicine and science. - **Sustainability:** The use of bio-based materials like blood in art can lead to new sustainable practices and innovations in material science, creating new opportunities for environmentally-friendly products and design. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Artist-Inspired Fountain Pens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/artistinspired-fountain-pens.md) - [Digital Archetype Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/christian-rex-van-minnen-1.md) - [Leftover Househouse Paint Artwork](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paint-drop.md) - [Archival Pigment Art Print](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/parallax.md) - [Painterly Dining Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/7-paintings-the-art-of-dining.md) - [Medicine-Inspired Artful Shows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/something-for-the-pain.md) - [Artist-Themed Apparel Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/buttercloth.md) - [Artist-Painted Wine Labels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/barton-guestier.md) - [Glass Beaded Intricate Artworks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/painting-exhibition.md)