Stana Katic and Alex Gross.
Stana first found out about Alex Gross and his talent for art when a friend on Castle, Alfred Sole (Castle’s set designer) introduced her to one of Alex’s painting that he had been yearning to feature on the set of Beckett’s apartment. Stana was immediately impressed by the painting, thinking that it described Beckett and what she was going through in that season. Stana wasn’t only impressed with this particular painting, but also with other pieces of Alex’s that she came across in a book showing his artwork. Stana described his paintings as “otherworldly”. She also says she was “captivated by his visuals” and knew in that moment she needed to meet the artist and creator of these “brazen” paintings. Alfred Sole then introduced them later on.
The painting mentioned at the first, the one greatly admired by Alfred and Stana did end up on the show. It hung on a wall in Beckett’s loft, and later in the series when Detective Beckett moves in with her partner, Richard Castle, the painting was moved to the Castle’s apartment set. The painting admired by many is named “Matasaburo of The Wind.” It depicts a woman in red clothing running on a bridge, multiple airplanes flying above head in a cloudy sky. It is an interesting painting, to say the least. Prints of this particular painting are available for purchase of Alex’s website.
“Matasaburo of The Wind” is not Alex’s only painting to appear on the Castle series. In episode 5 of season 4, titled “Eye of the Beholder”, the story follows Castle and Beckett investigating at an art show. In the background of one of the rooms at the gallery, a few of Alex’s paintings (Lanvin [Paris], Obedience, Hummingbird, End User & Wish you were Here.) can be seen hanging on the wall.
Stana and Alex’s friendship has carried throughout the years. Since meeting in 2010, the two have spent time together on multiple occasions. A few years back, in March of 2014, Stana and Alex met up for a day, documenting the occasion with a few photos. A short amount of time after that day, it was announced that Stana was going to be the model/inspiration for an upcoming painting. Around a year later, in May of 2015 Alex released said painting and called it, “Memory Fragments.” After its release, it was in exhibition at Koplin Del Rio Gallery, located in Culver City, California. While the painting was on display at the gallery, Stana sent out a Facebook post commending Alex on his great work and encouraging those all over the world to visit the gallery and support the painting if they could.
Stana and Alex seem to have the kind of friendship anyone would give anything to have. They’re so supportive of one another. There hasn’t been any other news of new meet ups, but this friendship seems like it will be cherished for many years to come.
Thanks for reading! XO, Liv.
