We recently connected with Camilla Byrd and have shared our conversation below.

Camilla, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

As a freshmen in college I took a beginning painting class at St. Petersburg Community College. We were restricted to acrylics which I had no problem with at the time. It was a wonderful foundation for my painting career. At the time although I enjoyed painting, I didn’t see myself wanting to continue pursuing the medium as a professional. After the course, I dropped the practice of painting. This was 2016. Fast forward to the pandemic when the world was at a stand still. I was out of a job temporarily and discovered some oil paints tucked away in a closet that had been gifted to me years prior.

I had never attempted to figure out the nature of oil because it felt daunting. Oil was unknown for me. But I had the time and felt like I needed a creative outlet. Nowadays you can learn literally anything on YouTube and that’s how I began. I figured out what ingredients I would need to create the texture I desired. The first time I painted with oil I felt as if a light switch turned on for me. The buttery texture was undeniably irresistible. From June-December of 2020, I made over 40 portraits of friends. This experimental period is still very romantic for me. I let myself have freedom with subject matter, techniques, processes, and practice. The best teacher for me was experience itself.

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

My name is Camilla Byrd and I’m based out of St. Petersburg. I’ve never limited myself to one medium. But I’d say I specialize in oil paintings and textile tuftings. My artist career started with portrait paintings and I eventually branched out to try a new craft called tufting. The two mediums are very different and allow the process of creating to feel fresh and help me combat complacency. My oil paintings are known for their melancholy sometimes whimsical nature and vibrant color palette. While my tufted works take on an illustrative elements and are more simplistic.

I’m motivated to tell stories with my art in a visual way. Writing has always been a drag for me so I use visual arts as an outlet to say something I’d never be able to put into words. Humor is woven into every piece either subtle ways or overtly.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Show up for artists. It’s simple. It’s not always fiscally possible to buy art from your favorite local artists. However, even just showing up for their shows can make such an impact.. Comment on their posts. Share their work. Give artists feedback. And honest feedback more importantly! Honest feedback can be an artists currency.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

There are grants within the community. I was fortunate enough to receive a professional grant from Creative Pinellas during the pandemic that helped support my journey. I was able to buy supplies and participate in art walks in my community because of this funding. Getting connected makes a huge impact on your artist sustainability.

Contact Info:

• Website: Camillabyrd.com
• Instagram: Mr.camillabyrd