Meet Caston Turner | Visual Artist & Creative Collaborator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Caston Turner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

What’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?

That you have to pick one lane and stick to it.

I’ve never really fully fit into one category, and trying to force myself into a singular path always felt extremely limiting. My range is what makes me unique. With a background that spans photography, videography, dance, theater, community outreach, creative production, executive operations, neuroscience, and wellness, I bring a uniquely dynamic skill set to everything I do. This vibrant blend of experiences deeply informs how I create, how I collaborate, and how I move through the world – allowing me to adapt seamlessly, whether in everyday life or at the heart of a creative project.

The fact that I never fit in one lane? That’s one reason I stand out now.

Alright, so let’s jump right in! The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there a person, group, organization, book, etc that you want to dedicate your shoutout to? Who else deserves a little credit and recognition in your story?

There have been innumerable experiences and people that have had a positive influence on my journey, but one person that served as a pillar in my becoming is my friend Darnay. He is a soulfully radiant human who not only impacted me with his presence, but also inspired me deeply. Serving as both a mirror and a catalyst for growth, Darnay’s existence in my life has brought deep nourishment.

Throughout our friendship he has inspired me to take up space and to fully step into my most authentic, magnetic and expressive self.

His impact on my creative process – and my self-expression as a whole – runs deep.

Please tell us more about your art. 

My art is fluid and ever-evolving, from visual imagery to the way I move through the world – it is tangible and a living extension of who I am. It’s shaped by an eclectic range of lived experiences, raw emotion and an instinctual pull to alchemize life’s ebbs and flows. From highlighting the vibrancy and diversity of urban environments, to capturing the peace of natural landscapes, to bringing creative concepts to life – my artistic expression flows naturally. Art pours out of me like breath leaving my lungs – intuitively and without hesitation.

Creative expression has been a throughline in my life since childhood. From shooting on my parent’s polaroid and 35 mm cameras to writing and starring in home movies, to performing on stage and bringing community projects to life – visual artistry has always been deeply magnetizing and present in my life.

I grew up on Rincon Reservation, traveled the west coast in an old pickup truck, worked on an organic farm, studied kinesiology and neuroscience, performed in numerous dance and theatrical productions, supported visionary leaders as an executive assistant, collaborated on creative sets and more. The range of my life experiences gives my creative work a unique texture – layered, curious, earthy and authentic. Essences rich in color, human connection, community culture, nature and emotional range can be found woven within my work.

While street, event and creative photography are recognizable anchors in my artistry, I’m equally excited about where I’m heading. I’m currently expanding into creative direction, video concepts, and collaborative storytelling. Whether it’s an editorial shoot or a short film, I’m drawn to imagery that’s emotionally charged and visually immersive.

I’m in an inspired and collaborative phase – ready to keep growing, experimenting, and building with other creatives across mediums. There’s so much I’m still discovering, and I’m excited to bring that curiosity into every collaboration and creation ahead.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc. In your view, what are some of the most fun, interesting, exciting people, places or things to check out?

San Diego boasts so many great options it can be tough to narrow it down, however I do have a few current favorites.

Throughout the week we would get breakfast at Nectarine Grove or brunch at Madi, followed by coffee and tea at Provecho!, a latin coffee roasting company within Bread & Salt in Barrio Logan. We would walk over to Logan avenue to explore the local shops and hunt for records at Beat Box Records before walking down to respectfully admire the art in Chicano Park.

Lunch and dinner would be all over the county from The Friendly to Donna Jean, Praeger Brothers, Las Cuatro Milpas, Fish Guts, Oceanside Sunset Market, Quixote, Tahona, Coasterra and more. If we happen to have a sweet tooth, we will venture to Oceanside to visit Little Fox for some innovative and delicious ice cream.

I personally don’t drink alcohol, but enjoy a great bar. If my friend wants to get a drink i’d first suggest the local dive bar equipped with a pool table and fully functioning jukebox. However, if we are looking for a unique and visually aesthetic experience with great cocktails I would take them to Part Time Lover, Lou Lou’s or any bar in The LaFayette Hotel.

I personally love spending time outdoors. Depending on the time of year we could go hiking on Palomar Mountain, walk along the bay or explore around Balboa Park.

Live music and community based events are definitely my speed and are abundant here in San Diego. Seeing a show at Belly Up, Soda Bar, The Observatory or Rady Shell would be stellar. Experiencing any of the Future Is Color events would also be ideal – from listening rooms to jazz nights, NoRSVP or my favorite, the world dance music events by If You See Me You See Me x Sasha Marie.

Throughout the week we will be shooting 35mm film of our adventures and will have it developed by the talented team at I’m Still Developing in National City.

Website: https://www.castonturner.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladylonglocks/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/castonturner/

Image Credits
Caston Turner