Julie Castillo
Artist Statement
Most people seem to have a clear idea of what they want to do after high school, but I wasn’t one of them. For a long time, I thought I would go into science or medical setting—it felt like the safe and expected path. Something that was guaranteed to have a stable life. But everything shifted when I attended a concert and watched a group perform live. The way they moved, the energy they gave off, and the joy they had doing what they loved—it all struck me. I admired how they were chasing their dreams and taking risks. That moment inspired me to think seriously about what I really wanted, and for the first time, I allowed myself to consider art as more than just a hobby. Art has always been a part of my life. It runs in my family, and I grew up surrounded by talent. Everyone exceeded in something art related. But I never fully believed I could pursue it seriously until that turning point. For me, art is about more than visuals—it’s about connection. It’s a way to express emotion, tell stories, and reflect the way I see the world. I want to show beauty and experience in my artwork. I’ve always been someone who thinks differently. I enjoy taking unique approaches to my work, experimenting with style, and stepping outside of traditional ideas. I put my all into everything I create, and I’m constantly pushing myself to grow as both an artist and a designer. My goal is to show people the beauty of perspective—how a single subject can take on entirely different meanings depending on the lens through which it’s viewed. I believe there’s something powerful about being able to shift how we see things, and through my art, I hope to spark curiosity, stir emotion, and encourage reflection. I want my audience to feel something real; to pause for a moment and notice details they might have overlooked in their everyday lives. Maybe even be inspired to shift their own perspective and see their world with fresh eyes. More than anything, I want my work to grow alongside me. With each new project, I aim to push myself creatively and conceptually, and over time, I hope people can look back and see a journey—an evolution not just in style, but in thought, intention, and vision.
