Artist Statement
The known use of color, composition, and medium serves as the foundation for both the ordinary and the “discovered”. It is within this framework that humanity's innate curiosity drives the pursuit of knowledge and the revelation of the unknown. As artists, we are tasked with harnessing this curiosity, utilizing our understanding to explore realms yet uncharted. This exploration is not only intrinsic to human behavior but essential to the creative process itself.
To authentically capture an artistic voice, one must venture into the depths of perception, shaped by personal experiences, emotions, and reflections. How does one perceive a river's flow or the innocence of children at play? What moments stir the soul, resonating as beautiful and poignant? It requires a shedding of societal constructs, historical artistic movements, and external expectations, allowing for the uninhibited expression of one's existence as it intertwines with reality.
The artist's creation becomes a window into the soul, a reflection of their intentional, fearless, and present exploration of self. Only through this clarity can the true beauty of the world be revealed through the artist's eyes.
Moments, to me, are vibrant pulses of energy flowing into and through us, encapsulating the essence of existence. This is the essence I strive to capture in my art - unapologetically authentic. In a world emerging from its slumber, where connections deepen in profound and magical ways, a painting must transcend the visual to touch the soul. To paint what one sees requires a deep connection to the moment, unclouded by false thoughts or emotions.
I am present, buoyant, and enamored by the richness of life. In this state, the world appears both full and weightless, and I find peace within myself, eager to unravel the tapestry of humanity's purpose. With reverence and care, I embrace each moment as it gracefully intersects my path, recognizing shadows and light as characters in the unfolding narrative of existence.
My current body of work reflects this understanding - an expression of emotional presence influenced by the nuances of each moment. Drawing inspiration from artists like Adan Hernandez, Evelyne Boren, Warren Taylor, Leroy Nieman, and Drew Struzan, as well as the post-impressionists, I seek to channel their mastery into my own exploration of consciousness and creativity.
Alejandro Castanon