“Basically my work space is my room. I study, work and make my own stuff here, so most of the time it’s a little messy. I like to collect all kind of objects, found ones especially. In front of the desk I have a window with a plant that recently germinated. Master Yoda is always watching when I’m working, that is important. Books and toys are always necessaries.”
Samuel Castaño Mesa was born in Cartagena Colombia, in front of the sea. At 4 years old, he and his family moved to Medellin, another city in the middle of the mountains. Since he was little, Samuel has been drawing and cutting from magazines. His family always encouraged him in his artistic work. In 2006, Samuel began to study graphic design. At 22, he’s finishing school and working as a freelance illustrator. He hopes to work in illustration for long time more.
FYD: When do you like to work and what keeps you inspired?
SAMUEL CASTANO MESA: I think the nights are more quiet and good for the concentration. It is always good to look books or magazines to refresh the mind, see how other people resolved an image. My dad is an artist so I think I received a great influence of his work.
Master Yoda is always watching when I’m working, that is important.
FYD: Where you do live in Colombia? What are some of your favorite places?
SCM: I live in Medellin, Colombia. I like public parks, my school and take rides on my bicycle.
FYD: Where do you find your objects and do they inspire your collage work?
SCM: I find my objects principally in the street. Yes; papers, magazines, labels, packaging, all that stuff eventually take part in my work.
My dad is an artist so I think I received a great influence of his work.
FYD: Can you tell us a little about your illustrated book on Vietato Introdurre Biciclette. How did you receive the project?
SCM: That was an academic project. I chose a short story about bicycles and basically I did it just like I wanted to: bicycles, collage, drawing, an E.T reference. (Look at the entire book here.)
Voi scrivete in inglese e io non capisco niente, allora vi scrivo in italiano e siamo a posto tutti. Complimenti Samuel per i tuoi lavori, mi è piasciuto molto la combinazioni di stile. Domanda a Yiya chi sono io. Leonora
Tuve este man sentado a dos pasos de mi escritorio durante un año, y nunca pude consebir una idea real del talento q tenia y del exceso de aprendizaje q pude haber obtenido de ël, samuel excelente trabajo las mejores siempre!!!