It is difficult and rare for a person of any age to break into the highly competitive art world in Los Angeles, which has emerged over the years, as one of the great players on the world art scene; with the Getty, MOCA, LACMA, Broad, L.A. Art Show, and more. It is even more difficult for a young artist to break in to the L.A. market where most artists are struggling just to buy enough paint for their canvas. This month however, we have found one artist who has done just that; she has broken into the art world, selling her works with ever increasing ease. Her name is Camellia Steele, she is undoubtedly highly gifted, and to make matters more impressive, she is only fifteen.
Hollywood Sentinel: For those that are just now learning about you, please tell us a bit about you. Who are you, and what do you do?
Camellia: My name is Camellia. I am an artist and I love to paint. Art is my passion and I have a lot of fun with it. I like to paint a large range of subjects, including animals, people and the world around me.
Hollywood Sentinel: How, when and where did you learn to paint, and are you still studying somewhere, and if so where?
Camellia: Since I was young I have always loved art. I took art classes at Mission Renaissance at a young age and learned basic drawing skills and some painting. I recently started painting on canvas about two years ago.
Hollywood Sentinel: Cool. Who is your favorite artist, living or dead, and why?
Camellia: I admire Hopper very much because he has such a unique style and his paintings are so simple yet so interesting. I also really like Van Gogh. I admire his use of colors.
Hollywood Sentinel: Cool. We saw the Dennis Hopper exhibition at MOCA a while back, it was great. His photography and sculpture are awesome too. I also love van Gogh. What do you think about when you are painting? Does your mind totally focus on the subjects and objects you are creating, or do you kind of zone out or think of other things?
Camellia: When I’m painting, I am very focused. I really get in the zone and sometimes I’ll forget to go to bed.
Hollywood Sentinel: Ha! That’s funny. You have a remarkable skill for any artist, especially for your age. Why do you think this is?
Camellia: I don’t think age is a factor in how well you can do something. I think anyone can be talented no matter how old they are. If you practice well enough you can get good at anything.
Hollywood Sentinel: Nice. Do you consider art and the artist to be valuable or less valuable than say another professional like a doctor or educator, and if so, why or why not?
Camellia: Well every profession has a different purpose and lots of value. I don’t consider one to be more valuable than another. I do believe with more beauty in the world, the happier people will be, and the more inspired they will be.
Hollywood Sentinel. That’s nice. Camellia, congratulations on your work and we look forward to talking with you again soon!
Camellia: Thank you!
To see and purchase works or commission portraits by the artist, visit: www.camelliasteele.com .Contact: The Camellia Gallery directly at: 818-284-1218
