ART BAZAAR FOR WORKER SOLIDARITY
ROMINA DEL CASTILLO
How are you? How have you been coping with this pandemic/ quarantine?
I’m ok. I’m afraid of the virus and I feel anxious about when I’ll be able to travel again and safely see my family. I was laid off from my job mid March and with it came all this unexpected free time. I’ve taken it as a gift and an opportunity to focus on my art and my practice, and also to help put together Art Bazaar for Worker Solidarity which we’re really excited about.
Art has kept me inside, sane, and busy. Gardening, cooking, and cuddling with my cats have helped too.
What are you working on right now?
I’m continuing my work with straw marquetry. At this point I’m trying to steer away from more abstract, pattern-based work and introduce more figuration and narrative into my compositions. We’ll see.
Do you ever get stuck in your practice? how do you unstuck?
I get stuck a lot when I paint. When this happens I turn the painting upside down.
What made you wanna get involved in Art Bazaar for Worker Solidarity?
I think as artists we need to rise to the occasion. Nina Simone said “an artist duty is to reflect the times” and I agree with her. I think we need to organize and play an active role in effecting the positive change we want to see in our communities. And as a collective, there’s strength in numbers.
What are some cartoons you liked as a child?
I have early childhood memories of Looney Toons, Popeye, and Thundercats. In my early teens I got really into anime. Sailor Moon and Dragon Ball Z were some favorites.
Any favorite foods, least favorite foods?
Peruvian of course, and I love everything from the sea, I could go for a good cioppino right now.
Out of all things, I don’t like quinoa.
Where are you from and how does it influence your art?
I’m from Lima Peru, and I think the biggest way in which this influences my art is in my palette.
Have you ever sustained any art related injuries? Tell us about it!
Just a heartbreak or two.
How do you envision the art world post-pandemic?
I just hope it’s more inclusive and it pays better.
