Today we’d like to introduce you to Marina Castillo.
Hi Marina, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Born in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, immigrated to Corona, California. Raised in Southern California. Indigenous to the Purehpecha peoples of Michoacan, Mexico. I have been an artist since childhood.
One of my greatest passions has always been photography. I have been featured in many Photography magazines including St. Paul Magazine. My art is made with love and intention for healing using color to brighten up the world through murals and individual pieces that promote positivity, love and light one art piece at a time.
I have been a mental health clinician for 25 years as well as a social worker and teacher and now hoping to pursue my art full time.
I consider myself an Indigenous twin cities artist creating art that matters art that speaks to my indigenous roots, art that heals, art that raises awareness, and can create dialogue around the struggles of my Mexican and indigenous peoples. I am a formally trained educator, licensed social worker, and marriage and family therapist.
Diving into my art, spiritually through healing stones and many Mexico-purchased items that help create pieces that speak to my culture. With my mental health background, I value using images that promote a calming and meditative effect to foster mindfulness.
I have always had a passion for all art and have been invited to create murals and exhibits throughout the twin cities for which I am honored. I’m often show and exhibit at pop-up events in the twin cities.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
A few challenges I have had along the way as an artist has been working full time and at the end of the day pursue art career.
A huge challenge has been lack of space and storage for creating large bodies of work.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in artwork that speaks to my culture. Art that creates a dialogue around culture and helps people understand our struggle as Mexicans. I create multi-media pieces with semi-precious stones and metal pieces from Mexico. Sacred heart art as I call it with pieces from Mexico with stones from around the world. I also create Virgin Mary art pieces with stones and use sacred soil for healing.
I am known for cactus art, heart art, Virgin Mary art, Frida Kahlo art, and murals, and photography.
I am very proud of creating art that helps people heal, art that brings light to people’s space. As a healer, I have taken my art to the next level by using healing stones and other items that help people on their journey to healing.
Using healing stones and intention in my work sets me apart from others.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out.
Use social media to market yourself by using hashtags that draw your client to you or your work.
Contact Info:
- Tiktok:@marina.castillo.artist
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marinacastilloartist/
- Facebook: Marina Castillo Art
- Linkedin: Marina Castillo
- Twitter: @marinacastillo
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@marinacastillo
- iTunes: @Latinocorazon
- SoundCloud: https://blurb.com/marinacastillo
- Other: https://marinacastillo.wordpress.com
