Inspired by Bernini’s ecstasy of Saint Teresa de Avila, de Jesús’ creates a musical biography based on “The Life”, Avila’s confession that is the most valuable text of Christian Mysticism. In this album de Jesús explores Teresa as a young girl exploring themes of love and spiritual phantasmagoria. The album is in itself a celebration of the experience of ecstasy; The marriage of the soul and the body overwhelmed by the touch of divination.
The genesis of this project can be traced back to a moment of artistic revelation—a viewing of Simon Schama's "Power of Art" series, where the masterworks of Bernini left an indelible mark on my creative psyche. In particular, his breathtaking interpretation of Saint Teresa of Avila ignited a curiosity within me, leading me to delve into her life story with fervent fascination.
As I delved deeper into the life of Saint Teresa, I found myself captivated by her journey—a journey marked by fervent faith, divine revelation, and the unyielding pursuit of spiritual truth. Her writings, steeped in mysticism and introspection, offered a glimpse into a world beyond the confines of conventional understanding—a world where the divine intersected with the human in profound and ineffable ways.
Inspired by her story, I embarked on a multifaceted project—a marriage of visual art, music, and performance—an endeavor to capture the essence of Saint Teresa's spiritual odyssey through the lens of my own creative vision.
Immersing myself in her writings, particularly "La Vida," I found myself drawn to her humility, her self-effacement, and her unwavering devotion to her faith. In her words, I saw reflections of my own struggles with self-doubt and repression—a shared journey of grappling with the complexities of identity and belief.
Yet, as I poured myself into this project, I found my vision overshadowed by the ambitions of others—namely, Ted Richardson, whose motivations veered far from the spiritual exploration that had initially inspired me. What began as a deeply personal endeavor soon became entangled in the web of his narcissism and manipulation—a stark reminder of the perils of creative collaboration.
Despite the obstacles, "Music for Interior Castles" took shape—a testament to resilience, determination, and the transformative power of artistic expression. With the contributions of talented musicians like Darren Keith and Brett Keller, the album blossomed into a rich tapestry of sound—a testament to the enduring legacy of Saint Teresa and her profound impact on my creative journey.