Daniel Castillo

I have been working with glass for over 25 years , however In 2007 my life had to start  all over again, in a new country, within a new culture therefore in the process of overcoming the new challenges, my work took on a new and exciting direction, as I brought together my experience, my love and my passion for my art to express this new breath.

My inspiration and creativity is renewed with each piece I create. Throughout the process of creating over 7,000 pieces, I have developed my own style that incorporate light, in a dynamic way, as an integral part of my medium.    With the dawn of every day, I feel that I am drawing a new and better line for my work and  with each new project, I aim to present a new and different approach to one of the most fundamental parts of my soul: the art of working with glass.      I consider glass to be an integral part of the architecture and my work is always designed to enhance and enrich our living space, either by introducing a soft touch, or by creating a strong contrast, but, at all times, as a complement within this context.

My aim is not merely to display my experience and technique,  I aspire to encourage everybody to discover the infinite possibilities of glass because as a glass artist, I can feel the glass bubbling within my soul, causing my mind to open and follow my heart that is filled with creativity;  It is this feeling that I strive to share with the viewer.

My most recent work is the result of many years of searching for a more contemporary approach to an art form that is thousands of years old,  using geometric shapes and vivid colours, which express my Latin American roots, I am also attempting to create a blend with Canadian culture, since this is where I have discovered new and exciting sources to give life to my art.

Starting with flat surfaces, I strive to create, by the superposition of parallel lines and colours, three-dimensional planes with progressive visual and vibrant effects ,this approach creates an interactive experience between the viewer and various areas of the work, depending on his or her position, relative to the piece.    The reflecting or refracting colour are great experiences with this medium;  they are challenges well worth taking, however, as they allow the creation of a series of dynamic contrasts, interfering with one another, creating a virtual effect, with a cycle beginning at each end of the piece and ending at the opposite side.  Colour theory changes when one works with glass and the light is always a dynamic experience, which creates movement at every moment,  sometimes the material itself appears to jump out and create a new optical and special effect within a shape.  

 " Drawing lines with sand and fire is one of God’s biggest gifts in my life:  I add to that the many years I have devoted to this art form and all my deepest feelings and emotions and  I love to give to my pieces a part of my heart and the very best I can do with my hands".