Meet San Fernando Photographer: Kenzy Kamka

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenzy Kamka.

Kenzy, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was always a kid that could never express myself except visually. I started off sketching pictures of faces, then I continued to paint abstract portraits, and that was my outlet for a few years, especially when I was going through rougher portions of high school. I just started picking up photography again this past year- and more than painting and drawing, I’ve found something that truly satisfies my need for expression. It combines everything I love. Faces, emotion, an abstract way of pulling together images and colors. I’m really just an artist that’s starting out, and I have so many more ideas in my head that I can’t wait to capture through my camera!

Has it been a smooth road?
It has and hasn’t been. I only say that because I feel like so many more people have struggled more than me. In reality, I have always had an extremely supportive and loving family, and that is the majority of what helped me through my rough patches. High school was tough for me- I was attending an international school in the Philippines, (my mom had moved there for her job) and I never quite fit in. I was cutting classes a lot near junior and senior year, and nobody seemed to really understand me. Although, then, I didn’t understand myself or my mind back then, either. I always saw kids having fun socially, and I always wondered why that wasn’t me, why I didn’t have as much fun in school. Now, looking back, I realize how much of a hard time for me that was. Actually how much that time period for me inspired a lot of the emotion that I put into my artwork. I want to turn that struggle into a passion- that never quite fitting in and belonging, into an art-form where I connect with people who may feel the same, whatever they may be struggling with.

What were you like growing up?
I was a really head-strong, stubborn kid. I always knew what I wanted, in the purest way possible, haha. On the contrary, I was also really sensitive, and I was kind of a crybaby sometimes. I grew up with German shepherds as my best friends, and I would be in nature for hours every day. I always really valued family, and the people who showed me love and support. I was a really smart kid, but I’ve always seen things and learned differently than a lot of kids…this comes in handy with photography and art, though. My photography is different because I see things very differently than a lot of people.

Is there a specific memory from when you were younger that you really miss?
My favorite memory…I have a lot. The one that sticks out to me is actually, Christmas. I think, as a kid, I just loved being with my family. I loved when everyone was together, even for a short period of time. I had a lot of great memories with my cousins, my pets, and my friends. I think all the exposure I got from nature and animals really shaped who I am today…I still have a lot of the same sensitivities I had as a kid, but now I channel them into my art, and its given me a lot of empathy for humans and animals.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I really want to have an art gallery of my work at some point. I’ve already got a few photographs I’d love to share as a series. I also really want to do some stories on people that are misunderstood, and show the public my world…how I view things. I’d really like to share my experiences, and give people a chance to see things from a different angle. Anything that I’d get the opportunity to do- magazines, galleries… anything! I just love what I do.

Contact Info:

• Website: kenzykamka.com
• Phone: 414-491-3423
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: kenzyleekamka