TOOFLY NYC

Meeting of Styles, Costa Rica 2020

tooflynyc — Thu, 23 Jul 2020 17:25:07 +0000

Hello world! It’s been a minute since I had a chance to post. 202o is a hell of a year, and it’s not over yet. So much got cancelled since March. Luckily I had a blast right before the pandemic started in San Jose, Costa Rica. I was invited to paint at The Meeting of Styles event which cancelled the day I arrived. What an absolute bummer that was, but because I’ve been keeping the ultimate positive attitude on each trip, each experience is better than the last. I wanted to make sure I added the photos, and story on here now that things have chilled a bit. I don’t want to forget what an amazing time I had. Special shout out to my dear friend Mavisu ( photographer ) who made it happen for me +Â hosted me in her lovely home. Love and gratitude to the MOS Costa Rica team Mush, Diana, and crew. They did a wonderful job in working with the changes that took place as artists arrived once the pandemic took over our lives.

Another festival where I feel graff/street art mission is on the right path and not trying to gentrify and push their own people out of their communities. Put together by artist like us. The vibe is different, and it feels like one big international street art family.Â I have been trying to get to Costa Rica for years now and nothing truly panned out. I can’t believe I finally made it! Crazy thankful. I appreciated every minute of it.

I prepared a sketch before trip entitled “Semillas” – I want to continue to introduce nature and indigenous beings into my pieces. I honor nature so much and believe in it’s ultimate powers. The seeds, the plants, the medicinal properties, the health benefits, the way you feel in it, it’s rivers, it’s trees, it’s mountains, it’s animals, everything.

The original location and size of the walls we were going to paint changed, but it was better than not painting at all.Â I didn’t get a chance to scroll thru the list of artists names on flyer and was pleasantly surprised when I saw the hommieÂ Skore999Â from Bogota, Colombia and Caso3 from Panama at the wall. I love it it when that happens! You can see the murals in the neighborhood called Curridabad.

I chose the wall on the corner mainly because I wanted to paint something tall plus stay close to the equipment station, and water/food. We arrived early so we got first dibs on the spots. The heat was brutal so it really helped especially when you have to carry your own scaffold, ladders, and paint. We were on our own once the festival cancelled. No assistants. Skore999 set up next to me and we worked thru some color and nature elements to connect the pieces. This became our first official impromptu collab. From #Atuntaqui in Ecuador, to #LatidoAmericano in Peru, a quick stop in Colombia for #RudaFest, and now #Meeting of Styles in Costa Rica. It’s dope to see friends work evolve year after year. Cheers compa! With 12 cans of paint we made it work.

“Semillas” Toofly, MOS San Jose Costa Rica 2020 / Photo by @LaMavisu

Costa Rica is full of lushy green landscapes, and I wanted to make sure I saw all of that before I left. The city is noisy, messy, and wild like all cities. I didn’t want to stick around for too long it drains me out. The fellas were enjoying themselves bombing, tagging, and painting walls, but I crave my chillax time after I finish painting. I also really like to treat myself and explore other parts of a country. Jaco beach was just 2hrs away so I went!

I hopped on a bus, and booked an airbnb for a few days. Folks recommended I go further because it was prettier but my gut told me to stay close to the airport. My sister kept pushing me to leave because pandemic was getting serious. I had a flight to NY in a few days I didn’t foresee getting stuck for real. My mind couldn’t grasp the idea countries worldwide would close! What were the evil powers up to now? I stayed calm. It was the best thing to do. I’m glad I kept my plans, I don’t like to live life in fear. If things are meant to be they are meant to be period. I have been skeptic of the whole pandemic thing since it started. I rather listen, and follow my intuition then the fear mongering news and corrupt governments who don’t give a shit about any of us anyway. That power lies with you. Make sure you are well and all will be well. It’s not rocket science, use your common sense people. In the end I painted, I laughed, I danced, I drank, I ate good, I chilled, I made new friends, I felt the love, and enjoyed this trip very much. Thank you COSTA RICA <3 — and FUCK YOU COVD19!

Nature has our back, and we are wide awake and quick to catch your lies now more than ever before. We will fight tooth and nail against injustice and for our god given freedom to be happy on this planet.Â

@MaydaySpace Social Justice Holiday Market 2019

tooflynyc — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 15:40:07 +0000

Toofly Interview 2019 – SOLD! Magazine

tooflynyc — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 15:26:08 +0000

https://www.soldmagny.com/single-post/2019/12/13/Five-Facts-for-Friday-With-Maria-Toofly-Castillo?fbclid=IwAR2r9hAdNo5t-uDt7499OgynuViqWsOd-D2i2kgKBUSdfQ2BYZZicF7Lqqg

Of Women For Women Exhibit 2019

tooflynyc — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 15:18:23 +0000

“Of Women by Women” group exhibition curated by Wendy Horwitz at The Storefront Project gallery in the Lower East side.Â Dec 12 – Dec 22, 2019

“NY State of Mind” Acryilic on NYC metal street sign, 2017

Mary J Blige X Emojam #MyLife25

tooflynyc — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 19:39:00 +0000

One of my last projects this year was the Mary J Blige X Emojam promotion in celebration of her #MyLife25 album. Released in 1994 – songs that bring back a lot of memories for me and hopeless romantics alike. I was hired to create 16 illustrations and handstyles that would be animated with music. To be used as gif emojis on your phone by downloading the emojamapp. How fun right!?! It made my day to see Mary J herself share the release of the project on her instagram stories. SOoooo dope! Check it out…

Sierra / Costa – Nov 1st-Nov 30th, 2019 NYC

tooflynyc — Tue, 05 Nov 2019 19:42:17 +0000

After the Talking Walls mural festival in Charlotte, I had the opportunity to dip into NY for 2 weeks. I was invited to work on a gallery installation for the #BormixÂ group exhibition entitled “Sierra / Costa” in the heart of The Lower East Side. The neighborhood is going through another big change these days, luckilyÂ The ClementeÂ continues to hold on as one of the few places left where we can celebrate our culture on the walls, in theater, and on the dance floor. If you missed the opening you still have time to view the exhibit! It will be on view until November 30th. Special shout out to Anthony Limongi for the recommendation to take part in this project, and for my homie Tanya Cuevas to pass on the good word about my work. I enjoyed working on this mural with my cousin / assistants help @mistadrumin who came thru with the photography. It’s been a nice journey illustrating, painting, and creating murals of the “Love Warrior” series from north to south. I have been pouring my heart and soul on it since 2012, and ready for that full circle moment coming up. I’m currently looking to showcase the entire collection in a solo exhibit soon! stay tuned…

“Free Spirit Remix” for Bormix, The Clemente 2019

Native Soul 27″X30″ Acrylic on Canvas – Available. Inquiries: tooflynyc@gmail.com

I come from the â€œSierraâ€ a region along the belt of the andes mountains with valleys, rivers, and rich fertile soil for agriculture to last lifetimes. Ecuador is by the equator and near the Amazon where wildlife thrives in a harmonious eco-system.Â We have Costa as well but the eternal spring like weather in the Sierra is my home. Where my ancestors and the Inca Empire ruled. Where my roots were pulled from during migration in the 80â€s. Iâ€m slowly finding my way back to tell the story and reconnect with the other half of who I am…Â

Thank you NY! See ya in 2020.

Talking Walls Mural Festival Oct 16-19 Charlotte, NC

tooflynyc — Tue, 08 Oct 2019 13:45:29 +0000

invited to participate in the 2019 Talking Walls Mural Art Festival in Charlotte, North Carolina October 16th – 19th.

What a trip! I almost did not make it to the festival in Charlotte NC. I had cancelled, and delayed flights for days that prevented me to get to the states when I was supposed to. American Airlines, United, and Delta were no help they officially suck. Ecuador was going thru an intense protest, and war against a corrupt goverment for 12 days straight. Many of the roads were blocked, and the impotent president had declared a curfew and brought in the military to kill their own people.Â The situation was dire for many many days. The resistance was inspiring tho! it was all I can focus on for the days leading up to the trip. My people fought tooth and nail and were victorious! They have a brave heart, and together quite unstoppable. If you want to read more about it just google it. It’s a lot to take in. Eventually I made it, and wanted to make sure I finished a very large wall in a few days time. I found ways to work with the negative, and positive space of a 40 foot wall in the uptown district. I wanted to put my all into this piece because I had just witnessed how my people came together to fight back against greed. It’s causing havoc on our planet, and trying to affect the economic growth in various countries by lying, and stealing. An economic genocide is at hand worldwide, and people are finally tired of it! RESISTENCIA is here, and it’s leading the way on how it’s done in South America. It is inspiring youth, and people of all ages and classes to come together against neoliberaism and imperlialist ideals. I dedicate this piece to the movement and in solidarity with all countries and people who RESIST. ( Fist Up )

Thank you for the invitation Owl and Arko!

Thank you to the wonderful assistance and photographers on site!

Photo by @Mattshdr

“Resistencia” Charlotte, NC 2019

@Photos by UncleJut

Uptown Grand Scale, Harlem 2019

tooflynyc — Sat, 14 Sep 2019 15:38:51 +0000

September was a nice time to be in New York, especially to paint. Something I need to make a note of for 2020 because the weather is perfect. This year I was invited by the lovely Ayana of @UptownGrandCentral organization who put together a roster of 50+ artists to paint a lot on 125th st in the east side of Harlem 125th between Park and Madison. For three Saturdays in a row various artists gathered to paint. Each one taking up a section of the wood construction planks to make colorful pieces that brighten the neighborhood. I keened in on a beautiful african american /afro latina woman that can rep’ the essence of Harlem. Locals loved it. They felt so proud to have this image emerge on their block. They knew exactly what she stood for, and what she represents. Harlem has a lot of history, a place of kings and queens before it was infiltrated with drugs, crime, and crack. Harlem is still a tough place to hang around these days because of all that. You have to walk tall, proud, and strong so nobody messes with you. You have to be alert, always. The streets have many characters, and you can’t let your guard down in these parts. You will never know what can happen when you turn the corner. New Yorkers know what’s up, and that’s how the vibes are uptown. “Harlem World” – where you can find an array of jewelry shops with you favorite door knocker earrings or name plates to represent who you are. Classic, timeless jewelry that many “fly” women adorn themselves with to feel good and represent where they are from. An authentic style, attitude, and grace that can come at you with love or stance. One of the many examples that brews here + influences the world at large. Shout out to @mistadrumin who joined in to paint a native pattern which enhanced the love warrior marks on her face, and the roots of her nature. Never forget where your from, and what made you!

Join the bock party Saturday Sept 21st and experience Harlem #UptownGrandScale for yourself.

“Harlem World” 2019 Harlem, NY

Maybelline House Pop-Up NYC / NYFW

tooflynyc — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 16:23:58 +0000

Never know what to expect from my next trip to NY. This year, the producers of an upcoming @Maybelline House event reached out to me to create an installation during Fashion Week NY. They were also looking for an authentic graffiti artist who can “tag up” on a pop-up train. As a multidisciplinary artist the job was perfect and up my alley. Especially because NY, graffiti, street, and fashion is what Toofly is all about! It’s fun work, and ads to my ( new client ) work. Painting the #MaybellineHouse neon logo juxtapozed against a brick wall with spray paint and acrylic took a while to create, but like a pro it got done and right on schedule. The on-site graffiti added the authentic flavor of our beloved city. When they wanted even more tags I was happy to create them, but I made sure to point out it’s added value. Did they remember that? No. The train was such a cool installation tho, who keeps that I wondered? Hope it goes to good use. Shout out to my cousin / assistant @mistadrumin for his help and process photos. Unfortunately I was unable to get the final photos on opening night. For some reason the invitation changed from “we would love for you to be there” to “I’m sorry it is a private PR event” after the work was done. Yeah! that really happened. According to the producer on this project she had no control. Last time I checked industry events that have the creative, and artists attend is a very good look for the brand. All good. Some people still don’t get how it all works. Luckily many true school New Yorkers made it to the event and posted videos and photos of the project. They loved it, and the installation looked great thanks to the creative team from France, who was very nice. As these corporate projects pop in, and out of our lives it’s important to remember what these brands truly stand for and how they treat their staff. We’ve seen how some high-profile companies treat urban artists these past few years, and so you begin to wonder. Do they truly respect the culture, and people they want so badly captivate? Each client is different, and the only way to find out is to work with them. Live, and learn and watch how they roll folks!

Thank you New York City!

Detonarte Mompiche 2019

tooflynyc — Tue, 27 Aug 2019 14:58:28 +0000

Mompiche Ecuador 2019! What a dope little road trip to paint, and vacay in August. It’s been a creative month here in Quito ( Arts Month ) There’s a lot happening, especially with creatives from the urban arts community. Regardless of the country’s shitty economy, artists don’t stop. We keep it alive! @Detonarte_ec was independently funded this year due to lack of funds in the arts sector in Ecuador. It makes it hard on artists because it is how we make a living. With a little free time and a few extra bucks a few of us were able to pull thru to rep’ on this important mission. 12 local / international artists, a lot of acrylic paint, and limited color palettes went far this time. We received 10 cans of spray paint ( sad face ) by local paint sponsor @Evans ///Â If you planned your piece ahead of time, threw in a few extra cans of your own it worked out. That’s how we did it ya’ll. For the love of NATURE! This year Luiz Auz founder, and curator of Detonarte with the help of locals the event launched. Shout out to Santiago, and friends from @SavetheParadise @SecretGardenMompiche and locals in Mompiche. The municipio helped a bit too, I guess 2 canecas of paint is something? Smh. They set up a stage for a performance that started way too late for anyone to care. All it did was create fights with locals who felt they would lose business. All those people get no props they have no clue what they are doing. It truly takes a village in these parts of the world and unless your on board with some serious care you can suck it. At the end of the day all the love goes to the folks who recognize the value of art, and culture as a tool for social / environmental change. Various eco-hostels hosted many of the artists and crew – thank you! We had healthy organic food, and seafood at different locations that volunteered to feed us – thank you! There was plenty of clean water to refill our water bottles so that we do not cause any more plastic waste – Thank you conscious artists! Our mission: 3 Days to create beautiful murals that inspire, and bring attention to the importance of protecting nature. To take care of it’s plant life, wildlife, oceans, rivers, mangroves, beaches, and rain forests. Thank you Detonarte, and Mompiche for taking this important step in the country we hope the goverment and local mayors of the coast take notes!

As a traveling artist I make sure to take the extra time to explore + learn enough in a short stay to report back. Babe and I made it to Mompiche a few days before festival and the 12 hrs was worth it. A roadtrip here is hard by bus, I recommend getting there directly by car next time. It is probably why this beach is still so pretty compared to the rest on the coast of Ecuador. We got a chance to trek and check out Playa Negra ( Black Beach ) as well as enjoy a nice stroll thru the countryside. Next time we gotta make it to Portete!

Shout out to Morongo for the lovely airbnb stay. Bamboo eco-hostals are the best at the beach. One of the best beach views thus far on my travels. Loooooved it.

My rock. Babe is my personal everythang! 23yrs in enjoying life and growing happy together. Happy Anniversary boo boo!

DAY 1 — Artist Trek thru @savetheparadiseÂ // help these wonderful environmentalists save the rainforest in Mompiche. They are cutting down hundred year old trees, and endangering wildlife for palm oil farms and corn oil farms. Stop supporting products with chemicals that affect these environments and nature in general. We all have work to do, and every little bit of change you can do in your life helps. For more information about the project visit their website. You can donate here —>Â www.savetheparadise.com

Artists for environmental changes! Get educated, stand for a cause you believe in and make the changes necessary to fight the greedy monsters messing up our planet! You know who they are, just look at the back of the labels. If it’s not natural it’s no bueno.

Paintr

Bless

Dieztro

Huesos de Buda

“Proteje La Naturaleza” ( Protect Nature ) It’s beautiful, it gives and gives, do not hurt her, or try to destroy her. She deserves to thrive and live in harmony with humans. In all honesty she does not need us, we need her to survive and live on this planet a bit longer. There is no planet B!