Today we’d like to introduce you to Paula Camacho.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Paula. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’ve been creating since very early childhood. My parents never tried to divert my interests nor stop me from pursuing them; they also didn’t intentionally put the tools in front of me. It was a natural inclination to want to express my creativity. My parents further fed my passion by enrolling me in after-school programs and enrolling me in an art magnet high school. I’ve been very fortunate to have always had family, friends, and mentors who have been nothing but supportive and have shown me that my dreams are attainable.
At this point, I’m predominantly a painter. I chose painting as my concentration for undergrad precisely because I felt it was my weakest area. I also have a penchant for creating site-specific nature installations, which first came about from trying to conquer an irrational fear or aversion of sorts to the unknowns of nature/being outside. Conquering that by creating an installation in a forest has brought about profound changes in my inner life that I never anticipated. My work from that point on has been a journey of exploration and integration for the (subtle and dramatic) experiences I’ve had after that first installation.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s never a smooth road. Among many difficulties, I’ve endured rejections, heavy critiques, long nights, money issues, and that creative block that has plagued every artist. Additionally, there are the doubters who (intentionally or unintentionally) dampen my enthusiasm for my career and infect my mind with their doubts. It’s normal to feel a bit uneasy since the future is still uncertain and I’m still quite young but it does not help to have my thoughts externalized and emphasized by equally uncertain people. It takes so much strength and courage to remain focused on my path every day and to know in my heart that being a full-time artist is what I want, need, and deserve.
Please tell us about your work.
I occasionally take up commissions on a case-by-case basis. In the past, I’ve designed logos, album covers, and t-shirt designs. What I enjoy the most and am best at are painted portrait commissions. People come to me for those when they have seen my portrait studies and my work. They seem to like the tightness with which I paint, and how I flatteringly capture a person likeness without getting photo-realistic. I believe my high caliber of work, as well as my diverse skill set, is what sets me apart from others.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
It’s difficult to pick just one, but my favorite moments were those where I was deeply immersed in the wonderland of my imagination. Everything, at all times, was alive. I had a completely animistic perception of reality, as most children do.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 7863951030
- Email: mapaula_art@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulacamacho.art/
Suggest a story: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
