Art Talk with Feature Artist Collaborator Michael Camara
This Month’s Feature artist COllaborator is Michael Camara whose pen and ink drawings are on display for March.
In discussion with us, Michael talks what draws him to pen and ink as a medium, the significance of the natural world in his work, being an Artist collaborator, and more!
Michael will be having an opening on Thursday, March 7th from 6-8pm.
Can you recall when you first started working in pen and ink? What draws you to this medium?
I first started working with pen and ink back in 2016 when I moved to California. The decision was influenced by my interest in cross-hatching techniques and the need to work on a smaller scale. Previously, I had primarily focused on creating larger, expressive landscape paintings. However, the shift in my workspace, from a spacious studio to a smaller apartment, prompted me to explore mediums that were more appropriate to compact settings.
My breakthrough with the medium occurred while hiking in San Diego. The landscapes I encountered were so different from what I was used to. Going from the lush greenery of New England to the arid, orange landscapes of California was both jarring and invigorating. These moments inspired me to bring my sketchbook along on hikes and start capturing the fleeting scenes I encountered. The immediacy and permanence of pen and ink allowed me to translate my observations and emotions onto paper without overthinking the composition. I found enjoyment in the rhythmic and meditative process of creating small marks, a sensation that painting had not quite provided.
Since then, pen and ink has offered me an education in permanence, value and patience with building up a work. The medium continues to excite and inspire me. I'm constantly uncovering new techniques and approaches to using ballpoint, exploring how it can express different subjects, lighting conditions, and compositions.
In your artist bio you state that you, "[believe] in the subtle experiences of our interactions with nature. May they be small or profound, the experiences are significant." What or where are the most significant places that inspire your work? Can you tell us why?
Coastal Rhode Island remains a steadfast inspiration for my work. Upon returning to New England during the Covid-19 pandemic, like many others, I sought out places that offered tranquility. Coastal walks along Sachuest Point in Middletown, the gentle crash of waves in Matunuck, or treks to Napatree Point Refuge renewed my appreciation for my home and provided the inspiration to create new work.
The subtle experiences while hiking, walking, or simply sitting in these areas have played a significant role in shaping many of my recent pieces. In today's attention-driven world, I find myself longing for moments that are easily overlooked or missed. These experiences have become essential to my creative process, fueling my passion for capturing the essence of my experience in these subtle moments.
What is the most useful or influential piece of artistic advice you've been given?
A few years ago, I had the opportunity to lead an art hike in La Jolla, California. As we reached a picturesque vista overlooking the coast, I set up a surface for everyone to contribute to. The group, diverse and likely unfamiliar with painting, prompted me to offer some advice.
I encouraged them not to overthink the marks they were about to make. Instead, I urged them to linger in the moment, to truly see and appreciate what lay before them. By concentrating on a single element, be it a lamp post or a distant horizon, my goal was to encourage a deeper connection with their subject matter, encouraging observation over replication. Even if they left without making a mark, I hoped the time spent observing the scene connected them deeper to the moment we all shared.
What was your process to prepare for your March Feature opening? Do you have any tips for showcasing work?
Preparing for my March Feature opening was a process of planning and studying compositions. I worked through a series of ideas that I had been thinking about for a few months. Typically, my works begin during outdoor experiences, with the initial spark captured through sketches and then supported by photography to complete the work.
For this particular series, I wanted to incorporate a couple of new mediums and surfaces. This desire led me to experiment with a charcoal drawing on a wooden panel, which was a departure from what I have been doing the past few years. The process of working in willow and vine again certainly left me looking forward to the next piece. I have a few more wooden panels to create. Look out for them later this year.
One valuable tip I've learned from this opening is the importance of timing your framing. It's easy to overlook this aspect when immersed in the creative process. I unfortunately underestimated the lead times on framing and had to rush the ordering process. To avoid last-minute frustrations, I recommend giving framing the attention it deserves as you are creating your new work, especially for custom sizes or unconventional surfaces.
When did you first learn about The Collaborative, and what is your favorite memory as an Artist Collaborator thus far?
I first learned about The Collaborative during last year's Small Works show. Having worked in small scale with pen and ink for some time, seeing the call for submissions piqued my interest in the gallery. The mission and the community of artists involved resonated with me deeply.
One of my fondest memories as an Artist Collaborator was the first time I found myself alone in the gallery. After Sandy left, leaving me in charge, I felt a slight twinge of nerves. However, those feelings quickly dissipated when the first person walked in.
Engaging in a pleasant conversation with a couple who were exploring what Warren had to offer helped ease any lingering apprehension. As the evening progressed, it remained quiet, but I found comfort in being surrounded by fantastic artwork. Inspired by the creative energy of the space, I spent the remaining hours drawing, thoroughly enjoying the experience.
