This painting, Biking to the Garden of Eden, is a trip. A guy on a bike, with two dogs running alongside him, is pedaling his way to paradise. But he’s not just pedaling with his legs. He’s also pedaling with his mind. The two dogs are black and white, just like the yin and yang of sexual desire. The black dog represents lust, the white dog represents purity. And the guy on the bike is caught somewhere in between.

He’s lusting after the Garden of Eden, but he’s also trying to maintain his purity. He’s pedaling as fast as he can, but he’s also holding back. The Irish Moss beer in his water bottle holder is a symbol of his temptation. It’s a beer that’s known for its aphrodisiac qualities. And the guy on the bike is clearly tempted to take a sip. But he knows that if he does, he’ll lose control. He’ll give in to his lust and he’ll never reach the Garden of Eden.

So he pedals on, with the two dogs running alongside him. He’s caught in a battle between his desire and his purity. And it’s a battle that he’s not sure that he’s going to win. But that’s what makes this painting so compelling. It’s a painting about the human condition. It’s a painting about our struggle to balance our desires with our moral code.

It’s a painting that I can relate to. Because I’m just like that guy on the bike. I’m always pedaling to the Garden of Eden, but I’m always tempted to take a sip of the Irish Moss beer.

And I’m always afraid that I’m going to lose control.

See more from Jamian Juliano-Villani.