Today we’d like to introduce you to Kamelyta
Hi Kamelyta, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I discovered finger painting by accident really. Years ago, out of boredom and curiosity, I attended a “wine-and-paint” night, an event where non-artists enjoy wine while exploring an instructed creative process. After a few events, seeing how easy it was, I decided to buy canvases and paint by myself at home! And indeed, it was so easy, and relaxing! Eventually painting became my stress reliever from a long day at work. Truly. One day, after finishing a painting, I had a considerable amount of leftover paint on the plate and not wanting to waste it, I played with it. Using my fingers, I played with the paint, making chicken scratches, mixing the colors, play play play and Oh Emm Gee, I loved it! So there, that’s how I started finger painting. Over the years, my style evolved and my techniques improved and my audience grew! Now, not only my paintings have been displayed in galleries and museums, even at the Ontario International Airport, they are also sold worldwide! Happy to say, I have quite a number of collectors now.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The creative process itself has been smooth really. It is just sitting down on the floor and let my fingers play! My biggest challenge is time to be honest. I have a full time job that literally takes every second of my life and every ounce of my energy, mentally, physically and emotionally. Making the time to paint, making the time to schmooze, making the time to deliver artworks, making the time to pick up artworks, it’s just impossible when my busy season hits. So that I would say the biggest challenge. I am frustrated that I can’t do more creatively, because by the end of the day, I simply don’t have the energy to eat, to think, to even use the bathroom! I just pass out on my bed! Quite sad actually!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I paint with one finger, that’s it. My paintings are very bold, unpredictable and whimsical. I don’t think or plan what I am going to paint. But my emotions certainly dictate them. The colors are chosen based on my emotions. My frustration with work, my love for my children, my irritation with slow drivers, my hunger for fried chicken wings – they are all transferred to my canvas. My life, my desire, and my stories, are all in these magnificent colors. Every piece has a story and I tell them through my colors. This is how people get to know me. This is how I get to know myself. This is where I am alive. My fingers paint what I’m feeling without me even realizing it and by the end I feel refreshed and relaxed and often times, happier than when I started.
My paintings invite viewers to immerse in their own memories and interpretation. Everyone who sees my paintings has their own visual interpretation which I find absolutely amazing. They see things in my paintings that I don’t see. They feel emotions that I don’t feel. And I believe that is where my success is. My paintings evoke various emotions and memories, taking them to their own special places. I love making people happy but what I want most is for my paintings to be so open and inviting that everyone sees and understands something different based on their own life experiences. I want my paintings to resonate with everyone in various ways, be it sadness, happiness, yearning, anger or disappointment.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Literally “Go With The Flow.” I don’t stress about not making sales, about people not liking my paintings, about not chosen in an exhibition. I simply take what comes and say bye bye to what goes! I am not saying that I am not doing anything, I do hustle. But I just strive to be better everyday. Work a lot, play a lot, laugh a lot, eat a lot, and simply go with the flow. I don’t create to compete. I create to heal, and to have a bloody good time!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.Kamelyta.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/GreenCamel69
