Meet Alice Castiglione | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alice Castiglione and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alice, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I pursued an artistic career because, for me, it was the only path that resonated with my deepest passions. Art, in its profound sense, encompasses various disciplines, requiring a dedicated discipline of its own. This intrinsic connection with artistic expression isn’t something acquired over a brief period; it’s a sentiment cultivated from childhood. My educational journey reflects this commitment—I delved into sculpture, art history, painting, and art projection during high school. Subsequently, I pursued a three-year course in Theory and Techniques of Visual Multimedia Direction at the Academy of Fine Arts. Upon relocating to the UK, I furthered my studies with a Master’s degree in Photo Documentary.

My choice to immerse myself in art isn’t just a personal pursuit; it’s rooted in the belief that knowledge is a potent tool of resistance. In a world where visual communication resembles a war, I view art as a means of critical thinking and cultural resistance. This perspective is underscored by instances such as art teachers in the USA facing bans for incorporating nudes into their curriculum. I see visual expression as inherently political, and it troubles me that some self-proclaimed artists prioritize producing aesthetically pleasing work without engaging in critical discourse. This approach reduces art to an elitist, expensive commodity, overshadowing its potential as a powerful vehicle for meaningful dialogue and societal introspection.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My artistic journey has been quite challenging, and to this day, I struggle to see my art as a typical “job.” For me, the real essence of my work lies in mentoring, specifically in supporting and empowering other women and girls. I’m dedicated to providing tools for fellow women to discover their voices and enhance their art practices.

Unlike those seeking fame, my focus is on less individualistic pursuits. Being an artist, to me, means dedicating one’s life to something more significant—teaching as a tutor, continually learning across various fields related to visual arts, and sharing knowledge as part of a broader mission.

The path hasn’t been easy, especially when trying to integrate deep emotions into the production chain of the art industry. Attempting to conform led to feelings of depression and loss of motivation, like a candle being extinguished. Choosing to preserve the purity of my art, I found a solution by helping others and diversifying my professional activities as a self-employed person online as well as writing articles in the cultural column of an Italian newspaper.

Currently, I’m working with an architect friend from Italy on our next exhibition. At the same time, I recently earned a tattoo artist certificate in Andalucia, Spain, reflecting my need for exploration and stimulation. As someone with diverse interests, a love for travel, and proficiency in multiple languages, sticking to a singular role in a chain felt restrictive. Recognizing that being an artist often serves as a side job, I’ve found fulfilment in this balanced approach, where my motivation thrives in the meaningful nature of my artistic practice.

In terms of my work, I’m less focused on promoting a specific “brand” and more invested in connecting with people on a personal level. For me, it’s about the experience and the genuine human connections forged through my artistic endeavours. Rather than emphasizing a brand, I prioritize the meaningful interactions and shared experiences that come from my dedication to art and mentorship. It’s not about the label but the person behind it, fostering authentic connections that transcend any particular brand identity.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

For a week-long adventure, I’d craft an immersive food and wine experience, a passion of mine deeply rooted in cultural heritage. Sharing this with a friend would be fantastic. My idea is to rent a van and traverse Andalucia, a region that warmly embraces me. Given the profound connection between food, wine, and human history, I find immense significance in this journey. It’s not just about savoring exquisite flavors but delving into the soul of a different community, offering a unique opportunity to deepen our understanding of each other as human beings.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
In extending my gratitude, I extend accolades to the educators who pushed me beyond my limits, offering constructive criticism that fueled my growth. My shoutout is dedicated to the pillars of support in my life—my mother, sister, and husband—who provided unwavering emotional backing during my most challenging moments.

Sicily, my homeland, holds a special place in my narrative, shaping my spirit and offering a canvas of diverse cultures and languages that birthed unique beauty. A heartfelt shoutout goes to the resilient choices I made, embodying courage and independence.

Acknowledging the sceptics who questioned my abilities, I offer a sincere thank you. Their doubt became an unexpected motivation, providing an additional reason to persevere. Here’s to resilience and the enduring spirit of rock’n’roll!

Website: alysvisualart.com

Instagram: Alys.thewitch

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alice-castiglione/

Image Credits
All the pictures are mine