By Alana Davies
Patricia Castañeda is one of Collingwood’s beloved Spanish teachers, well-known for her sweet disposition and kindly outlook on the world. Not only is she an amazing teacher, but she is also talented when it comes to photography. Few know this side to Maestra Castañeda, as she is very humble about her ability, but Arts Mag has come through once again to discover and to feature this particular Collingwood artist!
Patricia Castañeda is one of Collingwood’s beloved Spanish teachers, well-known for her sweet disposition and kindly outlook on the world. Not only is she an amazing teacher, but she is also talented when it comes to photography. Few know this side to Maestra Castañeda, as she is very humble about her ability, but Arts Mag has come through once again to discover and to feature this particular Collingwood artist!
“What I do is capture a moment where art was already there,” says Maestra, speaking about her love of photography. “Wherever you turn there is something beautiful, and I enjoy being able to see that beauty with the camera.”
She appreciates the way that everything in nature can make one appreciate even the small things in life and their beauty. “I think you are more aware of how incredible even small things can be. It is about the beauty I discover at that moment, not really about how well I can portray it.”
Many of Maestra’s photographs illustrate the beauty of nature. In her portfolio of photos, one can see animals, plants, railroads, water, bicycles, people, ships, and buildings. When asked what scenes she likes to focus on, she finds it difficult to pinpoint one specific aspect of the world. “There is always something appealing -- a sunset, dewdrops, people, rustic constructions, a spider’s web… You are not looking for something, it is simply there.”
Many of Maestra’s photographs illustrate the beauty of nature. In her portfolio of photos, one can see animals, plants, railroads, water, bicycles, people, ships, and buildings. When asked what scenes she likes to focus on, she finds it difficult to pinpoint one specific aspect of the world. “There is always something appealing -- a sunset, dewdrops, people, rustic constructions, a spider’s web… You are not looking for something, it is simply there.”
With regard to her artistic future, Maestra hopes to learn more and to continue experiencing the wondrous world of photography. She leaves us with a quote that is bound to resonate with all the artists of Collingwood, and all who can appreciate the world around us: “Be in awe of all that surrounds us and do not forget to be grateful in life”.