pieces. The first piece was horrible. I
was overthinking every brushstroke,
trying too hard to “be loose.” I
finally tossed that piece and started
anew. I ignored his comment about
liking my more subdued pieces and
went bold. I love bold color. I also
turned off the computer for that day
and just allowed myself to create.
I’m not sure where it’s going yet, but
I love it. And that is what matters
to me. If I feel something from the
piece, it is successful. It is bold
and moves and makes me happy.
was the one who did. I got 2nd place.
It was the first time anyone from our
college had placed and was a huge
deal. The judges told my professor
that they went back and forth
between the winner and myself. The
question was: “Do we choose someone
with a great concept, or someone
with a great finished product.” It
was an “aha” moment, the first time
I realized the power of my creative
mind. I had often been told that I
came up with creative solutions, even
in business. This was the first time I
realized how powerful that was, and I
have used that creative thinking ever
since. In each business decision I make
for myself, I try to close my eyes and
let my brain process and flow.
Sometimes the solutions are amazing.
Maralyn: If you could travel
anywhere in the world to see a
famous piece of art, where and
what would it be? Why this piece
of art?
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Cammy: I’m picking architecture
over art, which I’m sure is surprising.
The first place I would travel to is
Barcelona to see Gaudi’s Casa Batllo.
I like the organic lines, the
playfulness, the colors, mostly the
textures and different objects. I feel
like I’m in his head when I look at his
version of art. His head must have
been spinning with creative joy
when he first envisioned this
building. I feel that way when I am
creating, everything outside of my
head stops and I just give into the
mind spinning, emotional waves,
joy or sadness. I stop thinking about
the business side of art, or the bills,
or other life issues and just allow
myself to feel. It is the most
humbling, powerful feeling to
just let go. That’s what I see
in his architecture.
Maralyn: What’s your creative
truth? Words of advice with which
you would encourage other artists?
Words that you live by?
Cammy: To believe in yourself. I
spent so much of my life apologizing
for being an emotional person and
trying to fit into society’s norm.
When I started accepting and at
some point being proud of being
sensitive and creative, my art
started making sense. And people
started responding. I do listen to
critiques from galleries, other
artists and other humans, but
I also filter and use what is helpful.
Maralyn: Tell us about your work
in progress.
Cammy: The piece I’m working on
currently is based on a critique I got
from a gallery in Portland last
weekend. It’s a gallery owner I trust
and respect, and although most of
what he said was positive, he made
one comment that momentarily
halted me. He said: “Your pieces feel
static.” Wow, I spent a day or two
processing it and started some new
Maralyn: Were you always
interested in art?
Cammy: I was always interested
in art. From as far back as I can
remember. I remember drawing tulips
in 1st grade and Holly Hobbies a few
years later. I remember sewing and
making gifts for Christmas presents
for my family. I remember going to
my Dad’s woodshop the first time
I wanted a pair of high heels and
trying to make them myself out of
a 4” x 4” piece of wood and a strip of
leather. I remember my art classes in
middle school and high school, feeling
like I had a home. The first time I
went to college, I was planning to
major in architecture; I didn’t want
to be a “starving artist.” But I kept
taking art classes, and my professors
told me how much potential I had.
Funny looking back, that I didn’t
listen and stick with it. Funny that
I kept thinking I needed to do
something serious to pay the bills.
Maralyn: What are your passions?
Cammy: I am the most passionate
about art. I can say this because as
a child, I was a natural artist. If
I had continued with my passion, who
knows where my life would be right
now. Instead, I reigned myself in and
worked at supporting my family and
being a mom. Nothing I regret, but
returning to art now as an adult,
I feel passionate again. I feel like
myself. Four years ago, when my
children were grown and I had just
graduated from college, I was asked
to move from Seattle to small town
Oregon to caretake my grandma.