Giselle Castro-Brightenburg, First Bloom, oil on canvas, 30x40in., $1,500
My inspiration for this piece was the children's book, My Secret Garden.

Artist Statement
My work is a celebration of the natural world, particularly its myriad shapes, colors, and the intricate relationships found within it. In my 2024 series, I draw inspiration from My Secret Garden, exploring the deeper symbolism of hidden spaces—both literal and emotional—that we cultivate for healing, hope, and transformation.

A secret garden represents more than just a place; it is a refuge for the soul, a sanctuary where beauty and growth emerge from neglect and loss. Like the forgotten garden in the story, our inner landscapes can become overgrown with sorrow, yet with care and attention, they have the potential to bloom again. This idea resonates deeply with me as I explore the shifting emotional terrain of our lives—the contrasts between joy and grief, connection and isolation, resilience and vulnerability.

Through my art, I seek to capture this journey of renewal. Each piece is an exploration of color, texture, and pattern, reflecting the emotional richness of tending to one’s inner world. I am drawn to the ways in which beauty emerges from struggle, how hidden spaces—both in nature and within ourselves—hold the potential for transformation. My work invites viewers to step into their own secret gardens, to find solace in color, to embrace the complexity of human emotion, and to discover hope in the act of creation.