Interview
Laura Castro
Laura Castro is an American East Coast native. Asked to describe her work, Laura would say it’s about process, and what she does is an abstract form of sculpture on canvas.
Laura utilizes a wide variety of different media in her work, including concrete, silicone, plaster, and plexiglass. She’s constantly exploring new forms, and never hesitates to violate conventional norms in this pursuit. The end result is open for interpretation.
Her desire is that viewers will feel one with her work; that they just want to touch it to experience it fully.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I am a self-taught artist. I started in sculpture work, moved to plaster and sheet metal, and then transitioned to painting. Over time my work has changed, fluctuating between concrete and abstract subjects. My particular focus has always been on the creation process, the workflow.”
What does your work aim to say? Does it have a focal point?
“I focus mostly on texture and movement. I like to create things which make you want to reach out and touch when you see them.”
Which current art world trends are you following?
“I follow the graffiti and street art movement.”
“Art has always been my way of communicating experiences I can’t put into words.”
Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?
“My work is mostly improvised. I’ll typically have an idea of what I want the end result to feel like. Then I start with building texture on the canvas, and use color to create the composition.”
What process, materials and techniques do you use to create your artwork?
“I use plexiglass, cement, paper, plaster and silicone. I start with building the texture I want, and then start painting to emphasize the shapes. I usually refer to my work as controlled chaos because it’s abstract, but everything has its place.
I start with just simple direction flow and texture, working with colors until I find a pattern that interests me. That forms the underlying base, which I then enhance using paint and other mediums. The result from this approach is a cacophony of color and compositional inconsistency, examining the symbiotic nature between order and chaos.”
What’s your favorite artwork and why?
“I love traditional style portrait work surrealism. I tend to follow things that are the opposite of the work I do. It being so different from what I do is most of the appeal.”
Website: www.lauracastroart.com
Instagram: @castrofineart
