Ancestors of Art – Michael Casiano

ANCESTORS OF ART – The Taino Way

Michael Casiano’s first oil painting was the astrological sign’s “Aries Ram” back in 1990. It suits this Spring baby perfectly because his birthday is April 12th – the perfect date to enter the world as a predestined painter. If anyone understands numerology (the science of the soul) as much as the horoscope, then that means that he vibrates off of the number 3 which is all about shapes and colors. Nevertheless, this Artist, (born of Puerto Rican descent in Sunset Park, Brooklyn) draws his inspiration from his cultural ancestors with an appreciation for the spirit realms as the Native Americans and Taino Indians did.

In an era where new age philosophy is spreading across the globe, more and more people are embracing spiritual consciousness in various ways whether it’s through reading self-help books, traveling overseas to expand their horizons, and/or practicing meditation amongst other healthy activities. For Michael Casiano, his way of reawakening his ‘higher self’ is by returning to the canvas with a paint brush in hand after taking a fifteen year hiatus. Like food for the soul, his passion for painting reconnects him to a vital life force that makes him feel more purposeful through the positive messages that they convey. Furthermore, his talent has attracted opportunities for him to share his work at numerous art exhibits, galleries, and even perform live paintings at The Louie Vega Dance Ritual Annual Boat Ride, and WEPA NYC curated by Joann Jimenez & Antonio Ocasio where folks celebrate their heritage through music, drumming and dance.

As Michael Casiano embarks on such a vibrant path within the Arts community, we decided to give him a Q&A for everyone to see why his passion is so conducive to his well being – and maybe even yours!

INNER VIBRATIONS MAGAZINE: How do you believe Art influences the observer? And how do you want your specific Art to influence or inspire?

MICHAEL CASIANO: Many of my pieces have spoken to the buyers and observers who had amazing thoughts to share and some happened to be Artists themselves. I try to inspire those who are creatively talented by encouraging them to never stop and to just “keep creating” as it was told to me; Artist to Artist. My goal has always been to inspire people through my creations and that is why I share my work with the world, hoping that they are able to feel, understand and see my true spiritual vision.

INNER VIBRATIONS MAGAZINE: Describe one of your most spiritual pieces? What is the name of it? And what inspired you to paint/create it?

Art by Mia

Switch from the term ‘Starving Artist’ to ‘Independent Artist’, and get to know a painter who educates women on how to finance their dreams and live in their own power!

Painter/Artist – Mia Roman

We often hear that Artists aren’t usually business savvy because they’re more focused on being creative. I love nothing more than to prove that this misconception is wrong when I meet successful Artists who, not only earn a great living doing what they love, but even have the wits to teach and empower others how to do the same! Meet, Mia Roman: A NYC born and raised world wide traveler, a curator of workshops and expo’s, and a spiritually enlightened painter that celebrates the victory of women through her vibrant work.

If you click on her website ArtsbyMia, you’ll journey into her colorful mind as you browse through various galleries of tropical pieces adorned throughout her site. And although each gallery exudes its own special unique flavor, the series that caught my personal interest most entitled Goddess and Warrior features several female deities that Mia chooses to acknowledge and honor such as Goddess Kuan Yin (Mother of Compassion & Healing), Goddess Saraswati, (Goddess of Knowledge, Music and the Arts) and Mia’s favorite, Goddess Kali Ma (Goddess of Birth and Death / The Womb & Tomb) plus many, many more.

“My studio is a sacred space for me,” says Mia. “When I’m in there painting, I truly put my soul into it and become one with my art.” Mia continues to explain that she enjoys painting women more than men for two reasons: One, because of how strongly her female relatives have impacted her life, and two, because of the incredible women whose crossed her path throughout her worldwide travels in parts of Europe, Spain, and even The Netherlands, to name a few.

“No matter how many children women bare, we still balance maintaining a family-home-life and going to work, sometimes as single mothers. No matter how unequal we’re treated economically by earning lower salaries, we still motivate ourselves as career women. No matter how much we fight to be respected, we’re still told to speak softer, to tame down, and to neglect our own needs by nurturing everyone else’s first,” Mia says. “And this is why women fascinate me because the oppression of us has been going on for centuries and centuries in every culture, and yet despite the struggle, we always overcome adversity. The diligence of women has truly made an impact in this world.”