We recently connected with Camila Leão and have shared our conversation below.

Camila, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

Illustrating the design for the Essex Lighthouse Monument was my most meaningful project, and also the largest project I’ve ever done – both in terms of sheer size and public reach. I was selected by the Chesapeake Gateway Chamber of Commerce and invited to illustrate the design that would wrap around all four panels of the Gateway foot light sculpture. The project leadership wanted me to illustrate something that captured the essence of the city and its diverse community, marine wildlife, and all of its local activities. At the unveiling event, I was so touched by the response of the community members who showed up and cheered, beeped their horns, and spoke at the event. The lighthouse sculpture was a project that the city intended to help uplift the area through an investment in the arts. Today, 30,000 people drive past the lighthouse monument each day. Having my art so deeply connected to a community is so meaningful to me. This was also my first major project in the United States after immigrating here from Brazil.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I was born in São Paulo Brazil and was always very attracted to the arts from a young age. When I was an adolescent I was introduced to the local DIY punk scene, which became my launching point for creative expression. I began designing flyers for live shows, designing t-shirts and record covers for friends’ bands, and doing graffiti in urban areas. This interest led me to work as an assistant for an amazing Brazilian artist named Sesper who created provocative mixed medium art, including using discarded materials on the street. This further influenced my art and opened my mind to the possibilities of expression. After graduating with my art degree I worked a few graphic design jobs, including a job working for a famous Brazilian singer/artist named Criolo. I designed his tour posters, merchandise and did work on his records.

I moved to the United States with my partner in 2018 and settled in Baltimore, Maryland. I am fortunate to have had the opportunity of working on urban public art projects to paint murals on public structures. More broadly, my work features vibrant colors, mixed patterns and fluid elements. Most recently, I was featured in Baltimore Magazine with an illustration for an article about planting trees. My art depicts a woman’s connection to the surrounding nature and world, as is inspired by my South American origins. I love to work on various physical surfaces like canvases and murals, but I also love working with digital formats.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is expressing ideas, messages, intents, and energies into the active, living and breathing world. As an illustrator, it is so rewarding to see my art convey a message. When painting murals in public places, I love to create connections with the local people of those communities. Every creative project tells a story, whether it’s a publication, brand, co-op, city, or a community. I love communicating messages through visual art.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Moving to the United States was a major pivot in my life. The move took me out of my comfort zone – away from my language, community, customs, and culture. In Brazil I was a part of such a strong network of artists and creative people. I felt like I had to start over here in the U.S. but I’m so grateful for the friends I’ve made and wonderful people I’ve met along the way in my journey. My first public project involved painting flower boxes in Towson, Maryland. I met a lot of wonderful people who kept in contact and kept me busy with other artistic opportunities.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://camilaleao.art/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/camilaxleao/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/camila-le%C3%A3o-656212b7/
• Other: https://www.behance.net/camilaleao

Image Credits
Caitlyn Clarke