Originally posted on WoA Collective. Read the full blog post + Spanish version here.
Waves of Art Gallery & WoA Collective in Roatan and filmmaker Emilia Anderson are joining efforts to record an interview video about the life and works of Honduran Caribbean artist Virginia Castillo, also known as Virgie. The video will consist of an interview with the La Ceiba-based artist in which she talks about her 50+ years of experience as an artist and the role that having lived and grown up in La Ceiba and the Bay Islands has played in her inspiration and philosophy of life. The video will also feature some of her most important and inspiring creations and scenes from her daily life and routine in La Ceiba. This project is unique because there is no thorough interview recording of Virginia to date, and we consider it should be of high importance to produce a quality archival video to highlight Virginia’s contribution to Honduran and Caribbean art.
About Virgie
Currently living in La Ceiba, Virginia Castillo grew up in Oak Ridge, Roatan. Her original art depicts island life in a style that is uniquely hers, depicting mostly typical scenes of the Honduran Caribbean. Having recognized her own talent at a very young age, Virginia is a self-taught painter, who in spite of the odds, has managed to build a career for herself through her art and hard work in Honduras. For many years, Virginia has sold her artwork through Waves of Art to collectors in Honduras and beyond, drawing inspiration from her daily walks around town, her family, friends and neighbors, as well as her childhood memories. Her dedication to her art and her work ethic, make her more than deserving of a documentary that pays homage to her artistic legacy of almost 50 years.
Filmmakers Statement
My name is Emilia Anderson and I am a La Ceiba-based Honduran filmmaker. I studied Film and Media Studies at the University of Vienna, Austria and Feature Film Directing at the Escuela Internaciónal de Cine y Televisión in Cuba. Among my film projects is the new documentary series “Muchachas” about the daily lives of Honduran women in their 20's, which I am currently directing and producing through my new production company Estudio Travesuras.
I am especially passionate about working with Waves of Art on this project with Virginia, as she has been a great influence to me as a Caribbean female artist from La Ceiba. My parents have been close friends with her since before I was born. I grew up with several of her paintings in my home and, as I’ve grown older and perused artistic endeavors of my own, Virginia has always been someone who I admire. First of all, because I connect with her artistically for her Caribbean origins and playful yet profound style, and secondly, because she has made a career for herself as an artist in a country where people and circumstances seem to insist that it is impossible. More than just important, I think it is necessary to document this interview with Virginia, through a high-production video with cinematography and sound professionals under my guidance, because I believe she is one of, if not the most important, Honduran painter of our time.
-Emilia
Waves of Art Statement
Virginia Castillo’s art captures the essence of Roatán island life like no other artist. Her unique ability to portray the vibrant colors, textures, and images of the island sets her work apart, making her a true embodiment of fine art, island style. Through her ever-evolving techniques and perspective, Virgie has become a shining example of how local culture can be translated into exceptional art.
I have had the privilege of partnering with Virginia for over two decades. Our journey began in 1992 with a small gift shop in Roatan called Yaba Ding Ding, and over the years, we’ve built a strong bond as both business partners and close friends. She inspired me to create Waves of Art, the first art gallery on Roatan dedicated to island art, and her ever-evolving style continues to amaze me all these years later. Together, we’ve supported one another through various shows, commissions, and artistic endeavors, fostering a partnership that’s grown deeper with time.
Waves of Art and WoA Collective, a group of artists based in Roatán & La Ceiba, are proud to support this video’s production to celebrate Virginia’s incredible legacy. We believe Virginia’s art holds immense cultural significance, capturing the essence of the Roatán’s community and heritage. By showcasing her work, we hope to raise awareness of her immense talent and lasting impact as one of the Bay Islands’ most prolific artists.
-Michele Braun
