Conversation with the Curator: 4 Questions with Camille Kouyoumdjian, mixed media artist and beekeeper
“There’s a thrill in transforming a blank canvas or random scraps of paper into something expressive and tangible,” says Camille Kouyoumdjian, the artist behind the Roots and Rhythms solo exhibition, on view in the Bodzin Art Gallery through December 2, 2024.
Camille’s mixed media paintings bring together acrylic, oil, cold wax, and collage to capture the dynamic relationship between the earth and its transformations. When asked what keeps her going as an artist, Camille tells me: “the concept of tikkun olam, or “repairing the world,” deeply influences my artistic practice. Working with plants, food, and bees has made me hyper-aware of patterns and rhythms in nature.”
This collection of paintings reflects the artist’s deep reverence for the natural world and her desire to document its beauty and transience.
When did you start making art, and what keeps you going?
I honestly can’t remember a time when I wasn’t creating something! Art has always been my way of making sense of the world around me. I spent my early career in government service, where I researched the impacts of social structures on people living with disadvantages. This fed my curiosity about how people perceive the world and respond to it. I realized that art can bridge communication divides.
When my daughter was born, I spent more time devoting myself to art as a creative and emotional outlet and realized that I wanted to pursue that more than anything else.
There’s a thrill in transforming a blank canvas or random scraps of paper into something expressive and tangible. What keeps me going is that I’m constantly discovering new perspectives and ideas; each piece feels like a new conversation with nature and people.
The concept of *tikkun olam*, or “repairing the world,” deeply influences my artistic practice by driving me to use sustainable materials and create works that reflect on environmental issues. Through my art, I explore themes of resilience and fragility in nature, aiming to inspire others to reflect on their connection to the planet and consider their role in nurturing it.
How did you gravitate to the various media and styles you are working in?
It’s been an organic process, a lot like gardening, actually! I started with painting and then got curious about adding textures and mixed media, leading to hand-painted, recycled paper, acrylics, wax, ink, and even image transfers. Working with different media allows me to layer elements of chaos and order in ways that feel connected to nature. This approach—almost like layering seasons in a garden—brings so much energy and depth to the work.
How does your work as a Master Gardener, Master Food Educator, and beekeeper influence your work as a mixed media artist, and vice versa?
Working with plants, food, and bees has made me hyper-aware of patterns and rhythms in nature. From the textures in tree bark to the hexagonal perfection of a honeycomb, I see these details showing up in my art, where I play with both organic and geometric shapes. Plus, gardening and beekeeping teach patience and remind me of how fragile and resilient ecosystems are—just like art! Art, on the other hand, has made me more observant and mindful in the garden and especially in working with community members who experience food insecurity, so my various worlds feed each other constantly.
Do you have any advice to share with aspiring artists?
Be open to experimentation and find joy in the process, not just the finished product. Don’t stress over mistakes—sometimes they lead to unexpected beauty! Also, find a community. Whether it’s other artists, gardeners, or anyone who appreciates creativity, surrounding yourself with people who understand and support you can be incredibly inspiring. And, most importantly, never underestimate the power of curiosity—it’s the best fuel for any creative journey.
Connect with Camille online:
Web https://www.wildhorizonfineart.com/
Instagram @wildhorizonfineart