Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Johnny Castillo. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Johnny, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
This is a very hard question to answer. I often ask myself this question when doubt slowly creeps in and I become afraid. But I always remind myself of how far I’ve come and how this journey has helped me to process difficult experiences in my life allowing me to become the person/artist that I am today.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I was born in 1995 in Oratorio, Santa Rosa, Guatemala. Recently, I graduated from the School of Art at Cal State University Long Beach with a BFA in Drawing and Painting.
Having arrived in Los Angeles at the tender age of 6, my artistic endeavors illuminate the intricacies of navigating two distinct cultures by delving into profound themes of displacement and impermanence inherent in the immigrant experience.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I think feeling okay with being vulnerable in my work has allowed me to remain as genuine as I can be, even if that means that others might not understand the true meaning behind my work. That’s the beauty of what I do. Although my work may be very personal, I love the idea that others may find ways to get into and through the worlds that I create on canvas by finding connections of their own.
Even though I feel like I’m still new to this field, I’ve realized how crucial it is to stand by your work regardless of the feedback that may come your way. As long as you are having fun while creating, that is all that matters. Also, find other ways to provide for yourself financially. This will take the pressure away from relying on your work to sell rather than creating for yourself and seeing what happens.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
As I mentioned previously, I was born in Guatemala. One thing I don’t mention often though is that my parents migrated to the U.S. years before bringing my sister and me with them. During these years, my sister and I shifted between living with my Grandma and my Great-grandma’s house in Guatemala never really having a solid place to call home. I never questioned where my parents were because I was too young to know anything. But now I sometimes think about how difficult things must have been for my parents to leave their 2 kids and everything else behind for a couple of years. My parents eventually came back for my sister and me after saving up some money providing us with the opportunities we now have. If it wasn’t for their sacrifices, I would not be the person and the Artist that I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website:johnnycastilloart.com
- Instagram: j.castl
