Bio
I am a native San Franciscan born and raised in the Mission district. I received a BFA with an emphasis in sculpture from University of San Francisco and the Academy of Art College through a cooperative education program in 2000. I received a scholarship to San Francisco Art Institute to study for a year before grad school 2001. In 2004 I graduated with an MFA from California College of Arts and Crafts. Because of the struggles I endured being a visual learner for the majority of my early schooling, I decided to get my teaching credential K-8 and focus on bilingual education. I now am an Artist in residence at Root Division, a local non-profit whose main goal is art and education with children.
I sat on the executive board of directors for the San Francisco Hispanic Chamber of Commerce overseeing education development in the Mission District. In 2001 I partnered with Arriba Juntos to open a Youth Technology Center that offers free Job readiness Training to teenagers. I have worked as the lead teacher with the Boys and Girls club after school tutoring, reading recovery program for Bryant elementary school. As an artist in Residence for Root Division I teach art at Buena Vista, Bryant, Fairmount, and Cesar Chavez elementary schools. I devote a majority of my time as a professional educator and artist in the local community. I was recently honored, as one of the SF Weekly's Best of the Bay Mastermind Artist for 2006.
Artist Statement
Being artistic was something that just came natural to me. "It's a gift", as my mother so mildly puts it. One of my earliest memories is of coloring with my crayons even before I could read and write. My Art has been nothing less than the self-discovery of who I am and who I am becoming. I believe I am an Artist in the true sense of the word. My role as an Artist is based on my individuality, self-understanding and self-expression. But, all this would not have been possible without Art as a part of my life. I was somewhat disconnected from the world around me while growing up. Feeling different and as if I didn't fit into my surroundings. I was withdrawn from reality for a period of time and reentered the world through Art. Art has become an outlet for the discovery of my emotions, thoughts and creative energy. I have been quiet for so long that I will no longer live in silence. I have so many feelings, ideas and thoughts that through Art I can finally express my voice to the world.
http://rootdivision.org/CarlosCastillo.html
http://www.redpoppyarthouse.org/staff.html
I edited my profile with Thomas' Myspace Editor V4.4
