Mayté Castillo is one of 12 artists selected as a Gallery 263 2023–2024 Small Works Project artist. This project presents artwork in flat files at the gallery and on our website.Visit Castillo’s Small Works Project page →
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I grew up with drawing and arts & crafts being the bridge between my inner world and the world people around me. It was how I could participate alongside my peers when words did not come as naturally or comfortably. I loved all art forms, and today I am still an artist of many mediums. I create what feels right in the moment, a lot of which has to do with what I am going through in a particular season of life. My mediums feel like they are ever evolving, just as I am. Sometimes what doesn’t feel able to be expressed visually, I’ll write or create music instead, eventually crossing mediums to expand on that feeling.
I refer to myself as in intuitive artist. For me, that means many of my images and offerings come from deep meditation and self-inquiry. That practice alone is a part of my self-care, which I am then able to continue to process through my artistic expression.
My art is intended to be enjoyed, give pause and reflection. I am interested in traditional and modern artesian craft, intentional creations, intentional moments of slowing down and stories. I create for myself first, so that I can remain aligned in my values and interests and truth.
What kind of art do you make?
The kind of art I currently make are paintings, mixed-media/collaged hand bound
journals, beaded jewelry, block-printed shirts and drawings in pencil.
What concepts does your art explore?
My art explores my personal experiences of:
- Identity and culture reclamation//self-acceptance
- The journey of returning back home to oneself, community & ancestors,
- The intersection and embodiment of the natural and spiritual worlds woven into
everyday life - What healing and emotional release feels like
Can you tell us about the work you have on view in your flat file drawer at the gallery?
The work in my flat file is an early exploration of what my personal journey of
reclaiming the wisdom, stories and teachings of my ancestors and my roots after
family separation has felt and looked like. It is an exploration of how I make sense of
my Afro-Latinidad makeup through different lenses, people and rituals.
Where do you make your work?
I create my work in my home studio which has shifted over the years. I am often uprooting, so my studio space is always changing. And sometimes, it is my campervan or somewhere out in nature.
What are your favorite materials to use?
For my paintings, I love gouache on paper. For my other works, I am drawn to
reused or found natural materials. I try and reuse whatever bits of leftover materials I
can when I create.
What historical and contemporary artists inspire you?
To name just a few, I am inspired by artisans who create traditional art while keeping
traditions and cultures alive. I am inspired by the stories that they tell. I am also
inspired by Os Gemeos, Sally Mann, Zanele Muholi, Frida, Posada, my artist friends
and so many more.
When did you decide you wanted to be an artist?
Consciously when I was in the second grade, but I think it has always been in my
nature to create art. A dream of mine from that age was to become a children’s book
illustrator when I grew up.