PHOTOGRAPHED IN DECEMBER 2024
![I'LL BE YOUR WINGS BY MARIA CASTILLO [PAINT-A-BOX STREET ART ON EAST TERENURE ROAD]-2456141-1](https://excellentstreetimages.com/2024PhotoBlog/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ILL-BE-YOUR-WINGS-BY-MARIA-CASTILLO-PAINT-A-BOX-STREET-ART-ON-EAST-TERENURE-ROAD-2456141-1-1422x1067.jpg "I'LL BE YOUR WINGS BY MARIA CASTILLO [PAINT-A-BOX STREET ART ON EAST TERENURE ROAD]-2456141-1")
![I'LL BE YOUR WINGS BY MARIA CASTILLO [PAINT-A-BOX STREET ART ON EAST TERENURE ROAD]-2456140-1](https://excellentstreetimages.com/2024PhotoBlog/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ILL-BE-YOUR-WINGS-BY-MARIA-CASTILLO-PAINT-A-BOX-STREET-ART-ON-EAST-TERENURE-ROAD-2456140-1-1422x1067.jpg "I'LL BE YOUR WINGS BY MARIA CASTILLO [PAINT-A-BOX STREET ART ON EAST TERENURE ROAD]-2456140-1")
There may have been a second version of this as I am almost certain that I saw one outside the Village Inn in Inchicore [now closed].
Maria Castillo’s artistic journey began in Mexico City, where she was born and raised. Her parents, both painters, instilled in her a deep passion for art from a young age. This early exposure to the world of colour and creativity nurtured her artistic spirit and laid the foundation for her own creative pursuits.
Beyond her artistic talents, Maria is a skilled athlete and a member of the Mexican national ultimate Frisbee team. This athletic passion speaks to her drive, energy, and ability to excel in diverse fields. In 2016, while creating ‘I’ll be the wings that keep your heart in the clouds’, Maria was dedicated to expanding her horizons by studying English in Dublin. Her ultimate goal was to obtain a scholarship for a master’s degree in textile graphic design, highlighting her commitment to artistic growth and exploration.
While specific details about her formal art education are limited in the provided material, her professional background as a graphic designer undoubtedly influences her approach to public art. Her design sensibilities likely contribute to the artwork’s visual impact and its ability to resonate with viewers in a public setting.
Maria Castillo’s artistic contributions to Dublin extend beyond ‘I’ll be the wings that keep your heart in the clouds’. Another notable work is ‘Deer Dance’, also part of the Dublin Canvas programme. Located on the Navan Road/Nephin Road in Dublin 7, this piece draws inspiration from the graceful deer that inhabit Phoenix Park. Through ‘Deer Dance’, Maria captures the essence of these creatures, adding a touch of natural beauty to the urban landscape.
‘I’ll be the wings that keep your heart in the clouds’: An Overview
The artwork is located on Terenure Road East in Dublin . Installed in 2016 as a commission by Dublin City Council, it has become a local landmark. The artwork’s description, “The balloons only have one life and the only way of finding out whether they work is to attempt to go around the world,” invites contemplation . It speaks to the fleeting nature of opportunities, the courage to pursue dreams, and the spirit of adventure.
The title , ‘I’ll be the wings that keep your heart in the clouds’, is drawn from the lyrics of Mayday Parade’s song “You Be the Anchor That Keeps My Feet on the Ground, I’ll Be the Wings That Keep Your Heart in the Clouds” . This intertextual connection adds a layer of depth and meaning to the artwork.
The song lyrics suggest a relationship built on mutual support and a balance between roundedness and the freedom to dream. The anchor symbolises stability and security, while the wings represent aspirations and the pursuit of one’s passions. By referencing these lyrics, Maria Castillo’s artwork may be interpreted as an exploration of this balance. It encourages viewers to embrace both the anchor and the wings in their own lives, finding harmony between stability and the pursuit of their dreams.