Meet Calder Campbell | Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Calder Campbell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Calder, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
My childhood environment was very creative. My mother is a visual artist specializing in sculpture and I have many memories of spending time in her studio- tinkering around with her materials and odd knick knacks (like bronze-cast Barbies from college projects and giant foam bananas). Her mother is a musician who really encouraged me to play- I really enjoyed fiddling around on the piano at her house as well as her gamba (which I probably mutilated) and my grandfather’s drums. I think growing up in that kind of space made it difficult to stay in jobs as an adult that didn’t involve some form of creative expression. At a certain point I couldn’t really ignore that “itch”- to work and create for myself. I’m the type of person who likes to try many different things though; who knows how my career will transform and which paths I’ll take but I know that as long as I’m able to play, I will be the most fulfilled.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a visual artist specializing in drawing and painting. My style is loose and whimsical, I go for feel and flow over realism. I love big colour but also the look of black ink to nice, cream paper. My subject matter is flora, fauna, everyday items and “lived-in” moments (a dinner scene with half-drunk wine, tinned fish with baguette, slightly-past flowers, patterned textiles etc.). I hope to bring a bit of levity and joy through my work.

I have a line of prints and custom products with my illustrations, which I have been having a lot of fun with (embroidered hats and bags, silk scarves, stationary etc.). I also work as a freelance illustrator to create custom designs for weddings, restaurants, skincare and beverage companies. I hope to collaborate and expand with more companies in the future.

The biggest obstacles I have faced as an artist have always been internal. Self-doubt can be really powerful and it’s important to acknowledge it and move along anyway. Easier said than done! Asking for help has been something that I have struggled with as well, but there are so many mentors out there who more than willing to offer their expertise. This has been hugely important in my development.

I am currently working towards expanding the physical scale of my projects. I have a few large murals I am currently working on which is something I have never done before. I find painting more challenging than drawing but I am hoping it will become a consistent part of my practice.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
-Walk or ride along Venice Beach.

-Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden (thousands of plant species from all over the world).

-Hikes: Runyon Canyon Park, Paseo Miramar, Switzer Falls.

-Food: so much incredible food in LA and so diverse I won’t even scratch the surface. Sonoratown Tacos, Tacos El Cachetón Food Truck, Providence for a very special occasion, Poltergeist for a meal like you’ve never had, Langer’s Delicatessen (no. 44 for the best Rueben-esque sandwich) just to name a few.

-LA Derby Dolls: all-female derby league- pretty fun!

-Museum of Death- morbid and fascinating.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mum! Is that cheesy? She is incredibly generous and compassionate and has helped me so much with my work. When it comes to navigating the industry as well as the inner workings (and demons) of an artist, she is truly a seasoned vet. Her advice and mentorship are invaluable and I am so fortunate to have her help me along the way.

Instagram: @calder.a.v.campbell