Creative Thursday - Susan Castillo

Meet Susan Castillo,  a very talented freelance photographer from Battlefield.

SSH: So tell us a bit about your background?

Susan: Well I did a degree in Craft and Design at Gray's School of Art (a treasured experience) after which I worked as a Arts Tutor for a bit . Like most graduates I had ( I still have) the travel bug so made the decision to travelling for a year. It was the best thing I ever did it gave me the clarity to see what I really wanted to do professionally. Despite knowing I'd be labelled a 'mature' student I moved to Glasgow to re-train as a photographer at the Glasgow Met College.

SSH: Describe your creative practice?

Susan: I take pictures. I have a clean modern approach which is driven by creativity, I really love experimenting with techniques and alternative processes I'm very enthusiastic about trying out new things. This always concerned me when I was at college as I felt I didn't have a style however, I've come to realise that, that is my style. Photography is a wonderful medium the ability to capture something that ordinarily would be missed, continually amazes me.

SSH: Do you have a favourite type of work ie Portraits or fashion

Susan: Actually I really enjoy portraiture and fashion, as well as still life, I think these subjects really allow me to explore all sorts of possibilities.

SSH: Who have you most enjoyed collaborating with?

Susan: Thats tough! I think I would have to say I like working with Indicate Magazine and The Coveted Magazine because they in turn allow me to collaborate with lots of talented people and have fun doing it.

SSH: So what are you working on currently?
Susan:I'm working on a personal still life project that I hope to exhibit next year. Also I'm working on an installation for The Forgotten Island which is happening on the Clyde this summer ( I use the word summer loosely).

What is your favourite creative blog/ website or other source of inspiration?

The Creative Review website, the Fashiontography Blog, Trendland and I can't forget Google its my best friend I get such obscure inspiration from it.
SSH: What key piece of advice do you wish you'd known?

Susan: To appreciate now, not worry about the future or the past.

SSH: Tell us your favourite place/ space in the Southside?
Susan: Queen's Park I pass it practically every day, its very pretty.

SSH:Name another Southside creative whose work you admire?
Susan: Well this is awkward , my better half who's a designer recently did Creative Thursday and he said I was who he admired. I don't feel obliged to return the gesture, the fact is he is very much who I admire, he's talented, he has an amazing work ethic and strongly believes in what he does which naturally inspires me. We're a great support for one another, being in a creative industry is difficult its not like any other, so having someone who understands those difficulties is so important to me. Yeah so Darren Wilson of Kabloom

SSH:If money was no option what would you change about the Southside
Susan: The Southside has huge potential to be amazing, I'd love to see it with more boutiques, quirky shops and cafes, especially ones that offer coffee and dessert till midnight European style.

SSH:Tell us one other interesting fact about you?

Susan: I could tell you loads of dull things like I love baking and one day would be in a musical ( I can't sing do you think that's an issue?) but interesting is a struggle...I have monkey like feet, I can pick up things with my toes!

Where can people purchase your work?

Susan: Contact me through the site www.susancastillo.co.uk or on hello@susancastillo.co.uk  or even through my Facebook page