Background
Camille Kouyoumdjian’s artistic journey is shaped by diverse influences and learning experiences. Raised between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Eastern Seaboard, she developed a deep appreciation for the natural world and an awareness of humanity’s impact on it. Her professional experience in international development provided her with the opportunity to explore different cultures and their environmental challenges, further enriching her perspective.
In addition to her artistic pursuits, Camille has served as a Master Gardener, Master Food Educator, and beekeeper, deepening her understanding of the intricate relationships between people and their surroundings. She has also worked as a Federal program analyst and a writer and photographer for horticultural magazines, experiences that brought her closer to the delicate ecosystems on which humankind depends. These collective influences ultimately led her to channel her creative curiosity into visual art.
Now a full-time artist, Camille’s work explores the profound connection between people and the earth. Her studio, Wild Horizon, reflects the inspiration she finds in nature through hiking, cycling, and kayaking across America’s national parks and beyond. She invites others to join her on this journey—to explore both familiar and distant landscapes and to find inspiration and connection through her art.
Philosophy
For Camille, a blank canvas serves as a bridge between the chaos of the outside world and the deeply human response it evokes. Her creative process begins with full immersion in a landscape—exploring its depths, capturing images, and learning its history. Though her paintings draw from photographic references, she moves forward with intuition, allowing the work to evolve into a more abstract representation of memory and emotion.
Recognizing that art can never truly replicate nature, Camille instead strives to interpret it. Her work serves as a testament to her deep concern for the changing state of our planet. By incorporating upcycled paper, acrylic, and texture media, she highlights both the fragility and resilience of the Earth. Through her art, she encourages viewers to engage in contemplation, empathy, dialogue, and hope for the future.
By sharing her work, Camille aims to strengthen connections between people and their environments, honoring the richness of our diverse natural and cultural heritage. Through her paintings, she invites viewers to deepen their appreciation for the landscapes that shape and sustain us all.