Erica Castellini

Growing up I always needed a creative outlet. It helped calm my mind and focus my energy. I stopped creating artwork in my twenties for numerous reasons. In my thirties, I realized I was missing something in my day-to-day life. I had an ah-ha moment one day after a long day at my office treating patients. I wasn't utilizing my creativity in a way that fed my soul. Yes, I am creative with how I treat my acupuncture patients and how I counsel my other patients but there was something missing. My friend randomly dropped off a stack of playboy magazines from the 1960s and I started to collage. Over time my collage style has morphed into images that still astound me. I started painting with acrylics and dabbling with oil paints. I use multiple materials in my collages from resin, fabric, loose canvas, wax, paper, and whatever random thing I come across that may fit into that piece. I utilize different size canvases and usually have series that all have a common theme. I make sure I work on 1-2 pieces a day. I am extremely grateful to be surrounded by extraordinary artists who always provoke my brain to think of different ways to approach a piece or teach me techniques they have learned throughout the years. I use my art to express myself and always hope it provokes a feeling in someone else.