Today we’d like to introduce you to Marcus Castillo

Hi Marcus, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?

When, I was 18 I traveled to Europe, where by fortune I met an artist who taught me the tools of the trade. From then on, I spent years traveling the world, and selling my art on street corners as I went. I eventually ended up back in the states. After selling my art at venice Beach for a few years, I decided I wanted to open my own shop someday. During the pandemic, I moved to Abq, NM where I would eventually open a full time business selling my art, after years of saving up.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

It was the smoothest ride all the way there with instant success around every corner!
Just kidding!
I came from a physically abusive household with no formal education. I attended 11 different schools from divorced parents in different states. Spent some of my childhood in a foster home a shelter and two hospitals. I became independent at 18 with no money. My self confidence was almost non existent for the first 25 years of my life.

During my career I had almost no money in the early years. I was even homeless for over a year. It took me 7 years to get to a point where I was confident, and strong enough to open my own shop.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

I’m an a full time coin jewelry artist!

I transform antique coins into one of a kind coin jewelry pieces using old style hand tools. I cut, polish, solder, and drill coins.

I remove the negative space around the images on coins and I leave the foreground to add contrast to the images. I’ll then hammer it round and weld a ring shank to make a ring or turn them into money clips. I also make pendants and other interesting arrangements like bracelets or dice.

What sets me apart is my art, my medium is unique and valuable. I am willing to take risks with precious materials where others may not feel comfortable to do so. I am also different, because I have spent over ten years developing my own techniques. Creating pieces and ideas that haven’t been seen before.

I am most proud of the fact that I know who I am, and where I’m going in this part of my life. I’m able to express myself through my art and making a fulltime living from my own work. It feels good to be able to support myself in doing what I love even if it’s not always sunshine and rainbows.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?

I learned the tools of the trade from a mentor. That apprenticeship changed my life forever.

In my experience, the best way to find a mentor is to follow your curiosity and find something interesting you want to learn. Then find a place where people are doing that thing, wether it’s in person or online, usually a mentor appears once you ask enough questions.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @mcmcoinart