Jaime CastroSantoro

Why do I paint?

When I was a child, I was spellbound watching the radiant, majestic white clouds that came silently from the sea, floating above my arid street. Where were they going? What beautiful, far-off places might they see from such heights? I dreamed of climbing onto them and crossing over the snowcapped Andes, feeling the wind on my face and the sun on my back.

As time went by, I grew up, and one evening, while painting by the seashore, night fell upon me. Suddenly, I was surprised by the joyful music of a parade of clowns, acrobats, and stilt dancers tumbling wildly down the streets. A young man with a white-painted face, dressed in splendid shades of blue, his flared pants and cape fluttering in the wind, seemed not to touch the ground with his stilts as he danced, and his smile lit up the night. All at once, he rose and rose, climbing up into the clouds without ever stopping his dance. I felt transported to a world where everything was possible and generous. Since then, he has been my constant companion, leading me to explore skies and clouds.

With time, other friends joined our adventure. Noble, humble unicorns and daring flying cyclists appeared on the horizon, each with their own story and innocent magic. Together, we soared lightly, equally naïve, over landscapes that evoked worlds and colors merging into my paintings.

Every so often, I return to paint the natural and urban landscapes I fall in love with, but only until my imaginary friends once more invite me to fly with them. And when that happens, I feel free, without limits, and my creativity flows endlessly.