Today we’d like to introduce you to Richard Casteel.
Richard, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
When I was ten years old, my father gave me a camera. I fell in love. Over the years, I developed my photography skills through trial and error. I was studying hydrogeology in a Ph.D. program when I realized that academia was too stifling on my creative mind – the scientists did not understand my intuition, and I did not like their rules. So I quit and decided to freelance photography. This path has taught me many lessons. I have learned how to use more of my creative mind to express myself through photography. I have also learned how to use more of my creative mind to manifest a reality where I am a full-time artist and photographer. My hope is that my work can inspire others to see what they perceive as “reality” from a different viewpoint.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
We are influenced by our surroundings – the landscapes that we exist in. The things that we choose to pay attention to shape our minds and thus influence our “reality.” The secret is that this world is a reality that is malleable and highly driven by our subconscious mind. I have noticed that if I choose to pay attention to my cell phone or the news, I feel much different than if I spend the day in nature. The societal systems that have been built up are highly centralized – authority dictates much of our lives, but under the guise of freedom. I see that the world is beginning to change to a more decentralized system where the power will move from authority to individuals. My art is intended to reflect what I see in the landscapes of the city (centralized) and how they interact with nature (decentralized). I also find that human behavior with respect to technology and ego to be very interesting – and also something that seems to be centralized and thus taking creative power away from the individual. It is my intention to explore these relationships as I experience them through my photographic art and poetry.
Do you think conditions are generally improving for artists? What more can cities and communities do to improve conditions for artists?
Anyone can be an artist. Conditions seem very favorable for artists today – we live in an affluent society where we have a lot of freedom to express ourselves. In my experience, art has been an expression of love – I love photography, so I began a career as a photographic artist. The experience and positive feelings of the love I have for the art has translated to manifesting opportunities for me to thrive in this world. Even when I was struggling with money – I tapped into the love I felt I essentially replaced fear with love – and this made all the difference. We can encourage art and artists by teaching people that creativity is key to life – by teaching people to use their minds, by teaching people to sit in silence and explore their psyche rather than to distract themselves with entertainment.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I have a website for my creative work: www.capturingmilliseconds.com.
My Instagram is @beesrcc
You can support me by purchasing prints!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.capturingmilliseconds.com
- Email: info@casteelphotos.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beesrcc/?hl=en
Image Credit:
Richard Casteel (www.capturingmilliseconds.com)
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