016: Jerrold Dwayne Castro
Jerrold Dwayne Castro is a Chamoru interdisciplinary artist and Fine Arts educator at the University of Guam.
Jerrold Dwayne Castro
In his interview, he shares insights into his creative journey, philosophy, and the driving force behind his art. For him, art is not just a chosen path but an intrinsic part of his being, akin to breathing. Drawing inspiration from his cultural roots, he sees his work as a reflection of the Chamoru people's resilience and journey, contributing to what he terms a "Chamoru Renaissance."
Jerrold Dwayne Castro
His artistic process involves a blend of classical techniques and contemporary perspectives, aiming to convey narratives that resonate deeply with viewers. While he admires various artists, he avoids idolizing anyone, drawing instead from a diverse pool of influences ranging from Old Masters to contemporary and local artists. With a focus on communication, he believes artists play a vital role in society by depicting its essence and offering insights into its true identity.
Jerrold Dwayne Castro
Despite his preference for realism, he has developed a creative approach that allows for abstracted mark-making, balancing representation with deliberate abstraction. He emphasizes the importance of taking breaks to recharge creatively and advises aspiring artists to stay connected to their cultural roots while fearlessly expressing their unique stories. Ultimately, his art isn't limited to a specific audience but aims to resonate across generations, transcending boundaries and speaking to the human experience as a whole.
To read Jerrold’s full interview, continue reading below. Also, check out his Instagram as well as his website. Thanks again for your time!
Jerrold Dwayne Castro
Describe what you do.
I am an interdisciplinary artist, working primarily with paint. I am also a Fine Arts educator at the University of Guam.
How would you define art?
I have a whole lecture on how we define Art, but in a nutshell, I believe that Art is "The" visual language; it is a reflection of our human society; and it is an idea that is brought to fruition.
Why did you choose your art form?
It might sound like a cliche, but I feel that I did not choose to create art, I feel that it is something that I have to do--like breathing--I have no choice but to create. I do love to paint, but I will use any other medium that will best achieve my creative vision.
How did your high school/college years affect the work you make today?
My art teachers since my sixth grade at Untalan Middle School, my short year at the University of Guam, my undergrad program at the University of Washington, up to my last class of my Masters program at the Academy of Art University were important in shaping how and what I create. I also give big credit to my Familia, many of them prolific and talented artists!
Who do you idolize?
I make it a point to never idolize. However, I admire many artists for different reasons: Many of the Old Masters such as Michaelangelo, Bernini, Rembrandt, Monet, Sargent, Valasquez; Contemporaries like Anontio Lopez Garcia, Anne Gale, Norman Rockwell, Richard Schmidt, and Jeremy Mann; and local Artists like Ron Castro, Ric Castro, Joe Babauta, Judy Flores, Frank Perez, Perry Perez, and Jeff Harris.
Where do you get your inspiration?
I am most inspired by my culture. I am at awe with the longevity, resiliency, and steadfast journey of the Chamoru people. I feel we are in the midst of a Chamoru Renaissance--with our people looking to rediscover, preserve, and redefine what it means to be Chamoru. I want to capture this in my work--and I look for ways to tell our story through my perspective as a modern Chamoru man.
What do you do when you're stuck on an artwork or lacking motivation or inspiration?
What a great question! I believe it is very important to take a break from time to time, especially when I am distracted or whenever life disrupts my creative process. Sometimes I have to get out of the studio, go on a date with my bride, spend time with my kids, or do some simple chores--anything to remove myself from my work--allowing me to think, problem solve, and create a plan for the next step.
What do you like incorporating most into your art?
I describe myself as a "contemporary realist" and take much of what I see from the world around me. I describe the figure or object using classical and abstract processes, traditional and contemporary techniques to achieve a vision that reflects my personal perspective. I use narratives, sometimes drawing from the surreal to create highly conceptual and directly honest work using observation, deliberate mark making, and if necessary, symbolism to best convey my message to the viewer.
What is something that you add to your art as like your signature?
My body of work is certainly an evolving process. Currently, I am interested in using the history of the Chamoru culture to create a specific "look" or as you say "signature". Through my studies, I learned that the Chamoru constructed a society over thousands of years, then that society was deconstructed through colonization, and now reconstructed through this Chamoru Renaissance. I am trying to incorporate a visual look as part of my creative process using that understanding: Constructed, Deconstructed, Reconstructed.
Take us through your process for making art.
I tend to start my work with an idea that I have seen or concept that I understand. I keep a small note on my phone with different ideas--using a short paragraph of what I might want to create. When I decide to take an idea to the next step, I sometimes do sketches, small studies, or just go right into creating my piece. Using the Construct, Deconstruct, Reconstruct approach, I start off with classical techniques to compose my subject, paying special attention to values, form, and figure ground relationships. Then I obliterate, distort, or pull the background into the subject to create a look that is visually appealing to my senses. Lastly, I emphasize certain elements to reinforce the visual aspects of my creative vision.
What do you struggle with the most when making art
My biggest struggle is getting past my tendency to create as realistically as possible. That is why I developed this creative approach to allow me to be satisfied with loose, deliberate, and abstracted mark making despite the representational subjects that I love to depict.
What role do artists have in society?
Being a contemporary realist, I believe that an artist's role is to depict the world around them. They see society for what it is--looking deep into our soul and visually communicating our true identity.
What characteristics do you think all artists share?
Good artists are great communicators.
What’s your favorite place in Guam?
My favorite place on our island home is my family property at Hinapsan.
How has your artwork evolved over time?
I believe that my journey helped me to develop the ability to think deeply and build the skills to communicate my vision.
Why did you choose to become an artist?
I believe that everyone has a unique story to tell. We owe it to our future generations to communicate our experience in order to better inform theirs. I want to tell my story and the story of our people--how we fit into and understand our current times.
Is your art geared towards a specific audience?
I hope that my art speaks to the world, generations from now.
Do you have any tips for aspiring artists?
Hinanao Mo'na!
