LUZ CASTANEDA
Photo by Heloisa Oliveira
ARTIST STATEMENT
Visual Artist
Ph.D. in Genetics and Evolution
Mother
Medium of a Spiritual Afro-Brazilian Tradition
Painter, self-taught artist, biologist, Ph.D. in Genetics, mother, and spiritual medium of an Afro-Brazilian tradition. My research and artwork are a combination of my artistic soul and scientific mind with my free spirit intertwining the two. The enchantment of nature, whether through science or through spiritual traditions based on nature, has been the source of inspiration for my creations. I am committed to my diversity, my moods, my feelings, and all of this show up in my creations!
I often use photography to capture the uniqueness of a moment, to keep my feelings and the mood alive! The photograph is only the first step toward the final piece. Collaging, consisting of different materials, such as old money, paper, trash, natural objects, and/or fabrics, is often the next step.
Since I am committed to my freedom and the beauty to be myself, I use any medium and materials in my art.
My personal philosophy is simple: Be your own master and tell your own story. Be the painter of your life!
TV.BR
Life Experience
1992 PhD Genetics and Evolution - State University of Campinas (UNICAMP) - Brazil
1986 Graduate Biological Science - State University of Campinas (UNICAMP)
art education
2015
Art Since 1970: Passages through time and Space, Prof Annie Dell’Aria (10,5 hours), The Art Student League of New York.
Collage and the City, Prof Erik Hibit (30 hours), The Cooper Union, New York, US
2014
History of Modern Art (80 hours) Prof Luciano Migliaccio, Campinas, Brazil.
The City Transformed: Part I (12 hours) Prof Barry Lews, The Cooper Union, New York, US
Collage - Prof Erik Hibit (30 hours), The Cooper Union, New York, US
2013
Workshop São Luiz do Paraetinga to Paraty - 5 days - Final Portfolio - Prof. Isabela Senatore
Modern art I (80 hours)Prof. Vera Ferro - Campinas, Brazil
Modern art II (80 hours) Prof. Vera Ferro - Campinas, Brazil
Curator of Contemporary Art in São Paulo (12 hours) Prof. Martin Grossman, Casa do Saber, São Paulo, Brazil
Art Curator (6 hours) Prof. Valéria Piccolo, Casa do Saber, São Paulo, Brazil
2012
Contemporary Art I (80 hours)Prof. Vera Ferro
Contemporary Art II (80 hours) Prof. Vera Ferro
Visions - basic photography - total 25 hours - Prof. Isabela Senatore - Campinas, SP, Brazil
Divine and Visions - portfolio review - total 25 hours Prof. Isabela Senatore
Collage (18 hours) Prof. Nino Cais, Tomie Otake Institute, São Paulo, Brazil.
Watercolor Workshop, Prof. Kristina Jurick, during the IV International Meeting of Watercolor Painters in Paraty, Brazil
2011
Contemporary Art III(80 hours) Prof. Vera Ferro - Campinas, Brazil
Guide tour to Art Museums in Paris Prof. Vera Ferro- Campinas, Brazil
Contemporary Art IV(80 hours) Prof. Vera Ferro - Campinas, Brazil
2010
Collage - (80 hours) Prof. Vera Ferro -Campinas, Brazil
Contemporary Art V (80 hours) Prof. Vera Ferro - Campinas, Brazil
2007
Watercolor- workshops (30 hours) Prof. Vera Ferro - Campinas, Brazil
2007 - Open-air watercolor in Tiradentes, Brazil
2006-2013 -Individual guidance in art projects(240 hours) Prof. Vera Ferro
2004
Quantum Process In Creativity (20 hours) Prof. Lais Wollner, Espaço Wollner - eW - São Paulo, Brazil