Being artistic was something that just came natural to me. "It's a gift", as my mother so mildly puts it. One of my earliest memories is of coloring with my crayons even before I could read and write. My Art has been nothing less than the self-discovery of who I am and who I am becoming. I believe I am an Artist in the true sense of the word. My role as an Artist is based on my individuality, self-understanding and self-expression. But, all this would not have been possible without Art as a part of my life. I was somewhat disconnected from the world around me while growing up. Feeling different and as if I didn't fit into my surroundings. I was withdrawn from reality for a period of time and reentered the world through Art. Art has become an outlet for the discovery of my emotions, thoughts and creative energy. I have been quiet for so long that I will no longer live in silence. I have so many feelings, ideas and thoughts that through Art I can finally express my voice to the world.

Bio
Carlos Castillo is a native San Franciscan born and raised in the Mission district. He received a BFA with an emphasis in sculpture from University of San Francisco and the Academy of Art College through a cooperative education program in 2000. Carlos received a scholarship to San Francisco Art Institute to study for a year before grad school 2001. In 2004 he graduates with an MFA from California College of Arts and Crafts. Because of the struggles he endured being a visual learner for the majority of his early schooling, Carlos decided to get his teaching credential K-8 and focus on bilingual education. He now is an Artist in residence at Root Division, a local non-profit whose main goal is art and education with children.

Carlos was the Marketing Director for Costco in San Francisco for a number of years. He sat on the executive board of directors for the San Francisco Hispanic Chamber of Commerce overseeing education development in the Mission District. In 2001 Carlos partnered with Arriba Juntos to open a Youth Technology Center that offers free Job readiness Training to teenagers. Carlos works as the lead teacher with the Boys and Girls club after school tutoring, reading recovery program for elementary school. As an artist in Residence for Root Division he teaches art at Buena Vista Child Care, Bryant, Fairmount After School, and Cesar Chavez elementary schools. Carlos devotes a majority of his time as a professional educator and artist in the local community. He was recently honored, as one of the SF Weekly's Mastermind Artist for 2006.