Self portrait by Josie Del Castillo

1. Do tell a little about yourself and where you are from

I was born and raised in Brownsville, Texas, a small border town across Mexico. I earned a Bachelor of Art at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, and I’m continuing my higher education in pursuit of a Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art. I currently work as a gallery assistant at Galeria 409, and as a teaching assistant for a Painting I course at UTRGV.

2. How long have you been painting?

I took my first painting class in 2013 with the late Professor Carlos G. Gomez at what used to be the University of Texas at Brownsville (before the merge with UTPA). With his classes I learned the fundamentals and techniques of oil painting. I learned to develop both skills, craftmanship, and creativity.

3. What kind of art do you do? 

My artwork consists of representational portraits with a combination of abstract backgrounds. I am trying to find my voice by refining my concepts that vary from the influence of Mexican-American culture, coping with mental-health, embracing our insecurities, and the appreciation of the female form.

4. Is there a big art scene in Brownsville? Why or why not?

I can’t say that it’s dead but can’t say that it’s huge either. I will say that’s it’s growing, and I am happy to be part of it. The good thing about the Rio Grande Valley, since it consists of small cities, artists generally know and support one another. Instead of trying to compete, artists share and support other artist and gallery events. Market wise, it is tough. We live in a poor community, so selling a painting valued at $1000 is a rare occurrence. Therefore, we are limited to selling artwork within a certain value.

5. What do you like to do other than art? 

I am involved within the downtown community. A year ago, downtown Brownsville artists created a monthly art walk, Noche de Arte, where we promote art galleries, art studios, music venues and local restaurants. As part of Galeria 409, I curate monthly art shows where local artists exhibit their work, and the community can explore a variety of approaches and aesthetics. Our main goal is to promote local artists and venues, as well as educating the local community about art and local businesses. In my leisure time I enjoy occasionally bike riding with a small group of cyclists. It’s always feels good to get on the wheels and enjoy the local tropical scenery.

6. Favorite music to listen to when in creative zone

I am always listening to music when I am painting, it varies from Indie, Alternative rock, Spanish rock. Sometimes even Reggaeton and Cumbias. It just depends on the mood that I am in.

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7. Tell us a little about your nude works. How do you create them? What is your level of comfort when doing nude work? Is there a certain message you wish to relay when using your body as art? 

First, I start by posing in front of the mirror and figuring out what poses make me feel comfortable with my body. Second, I’ll take photos of myself for painting references, or I’ll ask someone else to take them for me. Although, I paint myself nude, it doesn’t mean I am confident. I am not that comfortable painting myself fully nude. If I felt I fit within the standards of what American beauty is, then maybe I would. Psychologically, I try to break past those barriers with my work. Then I still struggle with the idea behind “real women have curves” or “curves are beautiful” because I still don’t identify with most of the “full” or “round” women in mainstream media. I go back and forth between feeling confident and insecure.

Recently, I started to experiment with saturated colors and using them as different skin tones. I want women with different skin tones, complexions, and sizes to learn how to appreciate their bodies, even if they don’t fit within the standards of what is considered beautiful by the masses. I know it’s difficult, especially with social media, where we are constantly seeing images of “ideal” beauty. But, hopefully my art makes a difference with people that struggle with these issues.

8. How has the culture of Southern Texas influenced your art? 

At first, I was in denial of my culture and its potential impact and power. I did not want to paint “nopales”, “serapes”, “sombreros” or identifiable South Texas iconography. I felt that it was cliché imagery of my area, especially since many South Texas artists were generally painting that type of imagery already. As years have passed, I have put an effort into maturing as an artist and begun to appreciate and embrace Mexican-American/ border culture. My main objective is to seek stronger concepts and an artistic identity.

9. What themes do you use in your art?

I am currently working on three different themes, which consist of the appreciation and celebration of Mexican-American culture, the appreciation of the female form, and learning to cope with mental health, such as depression and anxiety.

10. What do you like about portraits? 

Everything. From adding the first layers, to developing and rendering the skin tones. My favorite things to paint are eyes and hair. I love adding the final details to those characteristics. Other than that, working on a portrait feels personal. I have to paint someone I personally know and capturing his or her essence is important to me. People have come up to me, and told me that they “feel like they know the person,” which to me is an enormous compliment. I can bring life with just paint and brushes.

11. What does The Valley look like/ feel like under president Trump? How has the community, namely the art community been affected?

I try not to get too wrapped up in politics, although I do try to be aware of current situations. However, there are some artists from South Texas that address the social and political climate, such as artist Alejandro Macias.

12. Places you’d love to travel to or have traveled to

I traveled to Centrum in Port Townsend, Washington for an artist residency this last summer. The climate and scenery were beautiful, and it reminded of the time I visited Alaska back in 2014. Being in the 50F-60F weather is nice and cool when I am used to the hot and humid 90F weather. I would like to visit Los Angeles for their diverse art scene. Other than that, I want to visit Mexico again like I did when I was younger. Since the drug cartel violence and crime escalated, it has been tough to visit regularly.

13. What do you like to do on your downtime? 

I enjoy going to local art shows, checking out live music venues, and kicking it with some friends while we have a few drinks. If I don’t go out, I enjoy watching anime. I am currently watching Attack on Titan and My Hero Academia.

14. What are some must-see places in your city? 

Downtown, for sure. There are so many new local businesses popping out that need our support. If you’re in town visit El Hueso De Fraile, where they have a great selection of craft beer, delicious sandwiches and great live music. If you’re in the mood for coffee, check out 7th and Park, their Mexican Mocha, which has chocolate Abuelita, is delicious. Also check out Rutledge, a hole in the wall burger joint that has been there for almost 100 years.

Follow Josie on Twitter or Instagram for more!

Twitter @josie_leila 

Instagram @josieleila