Jasper Castro attended a science high school but even back then, her big passion was art.

“I was skipping most of my classes to paint back drafts and join writing and painting contests. Everyone was concerned about their grades while I was just sniffing paint outside the classroom. I think that’s when I really fell in love with art and knew the lengths I’d go for it,” she told Lifestyle.

It was a passion that traced its roots to her childhood. “My mom put a crayon in my hand the moment my fingers learned to grasp anything. Since then, I would be constantly doodling—at church, at school—and it actually helped me focus better. I’ve always known art was my true love.”

Focusing on art

Castro loves art so much that she took a break from her public relations agency life to focus on it. The now freelance writer and media relations consultant said, “I have a million interests that all feed into my art: nature, music, movies, food, travel, religion, feminism, mental health, philosophy, cycling, animals and advanced formulas in Excel.”

Mental health is the theme of her digital exhibition “The Artist is Alive,” which went online yesterday on theartistisalive.online.

Curated by Raymond Tribdino, the exhibit invites anyone with internet access into an immersive ASMR art experience. Castro combines painting and poetry in the quest to take people through the ups and downs of living with bipolar disorder.

Castro was diagnosed in her early 20s. “A series of heartbreaks led to yearslong clinical depression that stole years of my life. My doctor and I agreed that the blowup was a long time coming, as symptoms for the disorder had been present since I was a suicidal 4-year-old.”

She believes her “consistent dedication to the arts” helped her through childhood and growing up, just like it helped her embrace herself after she emerged from her depression feeling like a different person.

Religious experience

It is this series of artworks—the ones she painted as she learned to love herself again—that is featured in “The Artist is Alive.”

“I drained all my resources for this and regret nothing and I loved every second of it. When I paint, it’s a religious experience. Overthinking is often a bad thing and leads most to spiral, but in art, it’s what fuels me. Only in art can I really embrace all of myself—walang sayang—nothing is wasted, and everything is celebrated, even an often troubling brain.”

Castro said that people with bipolar disorder “are really just like everyone else,” adding, “there’s almost no point in generalizing because every case is a little different. But at the same time, we need the same things as someone neurotypical: love, acceptance, understanding—the whole shebang. So if people want to better treat or understand a loved one with bipolar disorder, go beyond research and just get to know them personally.”

In “The Artist is Alive,” Castro gets personal—really personal. It should be experienced on a desktop or a larger screen and with a pair of headphones so the audience can view the paintings while listening to the artist’s spoken-word poetry. Castro hopes to “to connect and befriend the audience as she handholds them through the exhibit to listen to her deepest darkest secrets.”

Castro said, “Everything is very intentional—both in my poetry and painting. Similar to Frida Kahlo, I draw a lot of self-portraits, use nature as metaphors, and use art to help me process my life, but also help me embrace all of my peculiarities.”

She added, “As a writer though, I do take after nihilistic humor—my favorites are David Sedaris and Roald Dahl … Most of my writing is very heavy in tone and style.”

Her message for other young artists? “It’s never too late unless you die, so don’t kill yourself. Don’t forget to enjoy yourself. Making art is a privilege.”

Over-the-top hopeful

Days before the exhibit opening, she said, “I’m feeling over-the-top hopeful. I hope it reaches its audience so they feel less lonely. But also, I hope this enables me to make more art. But I think these hopes are what’s making me so anxious that I haven’t been able to eat and sleep right these past few days. Also, I’m nervous because I’m sharing embarrassing secrets.”

But being open is important to her. “I think what makes this project so important to me is that it makes a safe space for the audience. When you’re brave enough to show your vulnerability, others feel safe to also show their vulnerability. Honesty begets honesty. And honesty is key to mental health in my experience! It’s the only way you’re really able to fully process the breadth of life, when you’re able to be authentic.

“This isn’t just for people with bipolar disorder, it’s really for everyone—the idea of honesty as a vaccine for cognitive dissonance. I hope my honesty sets a precedent.”

She added, “I hope others find comfort in my art and it makes them glad to be alive. This whole collection is really an expression of my love.”

Follow @perperesque, @jasperhannahart on Instagram; visit theartistisalive.online, open.spotify.com/show/6BHZEKZOtsMZ6VpVFuEXng.