Sitting Down with Multi-Disciplinary Artist, Camila Hojas

Courtsey of Chehojas.com

In our conversation with the talented Camila Hojas, she discusses the beginnings of her life in art, the re-discovery of her passion, and the path that she took to get there. She talks inspiration, how she looks to history, literature and many different styles to arrive at her original, interesting pieces, that are uniquely hers. Camila discusses what it means for her to create, as well as what she hopes for viewers of her art, as she states, ‘As you gaze upon my art, you are invited  to explore the unknown parts of yourself, to honor them with a moment of present attention.’ Lastly, she gave us some insight into her corner of the art community, as well as what is next for her. Below is Simply Modern’s conversation with artist Camila Hojas.

When did you start creating art? Can you give us a little background  info on your career and when it all started? 

As a child, I was always fascinated with art. I would spend hours upon hours drawing, painting,  and creating anything that came to my mind. I remember telling everyone that I wanted to be a  painter when I grew up. However, as I got older, I got pushed in different directions. I went to  business school and pursued a career in the corporate world. But no matter how busy my life  got, I never stopped creating. It was a basic need for me, a part of who I am. 

Throughout my teens and early adulthood, I kept writing and playing around with photography. I  would doodle on every piece of paper that crossed my path. It wasn't until I started pursuing a  marketing master's degree that I rediscovered my passion for painting. I was under a lot of  stress, and I started drawing very detailed patterns, which I would then paint with acrylic paint.  That's when I felt the brush take a hold of me again, and I knew I had to pursue it further. 

I started experimenting with different mediums, including watercolors and graphite drawings. I  decided to bring my marketing and visual interests together and moved to New York City to  study graphic design at Parsons. Although I wasn't very successful in asking for fine art  electives, I was able to sneak into a live oil painting class from a model every Wednesday.  That's when the passion could no longer be buried. 

I started painting at home, experimenting with different techniques and styles. I even started  selling my first tries at Soho's street market to be able to get new supplies and keep learning  and exploring. From there on, I started focusing primarily on oils, developing my personal style  and creating a body of work. I had some group shows and continued to dream for more. 

Now, as I look back on my journey, I realize that art has always been a part of my life. It has  been a constant companion in the midst of life's ups and downs. It has given me a way to  express myself and to connect with others. I may have taken a roundabout way to get here, but  I'm grateful for every step of the journey that has led me back to my purpose. 

Smoking Angel (2023); Mixed Media on Wood

What inspires you to create today? 

As an artist, my work is inspired by thought and literature. Before discovering my visual  language, I used writing as my creative output, and books have always been my source of  inspiration. I love the aesthetic of books, especially old ones, the calligraphy, design,  illustrations, and ornaments. I have visited various libraries and exhibitions of old books, maps,  and pre-printer items to find inspiration. 

My work also draws inspiration from the art in those pages, architecture, fashion, and  characters depicted. My love for Renaissance art, stoic philosophy, and places like Rome,  Florence, and Versailles is unending, and my recent visit to these places with my family will  forever be my muse. On the other hand, my colors and technique are inspired by my  spontaneous and playful inner child. I am drawn to vivid colors, pastel tones, glittery things, 

textures, gold, and details. My inner child wants to live in a colorful world where things have  bright colors and fun textures. 

Perspective (2023); Oil on Wood

Does you work have a specific intention or theme? Do you feel it is  necessary for viewers to ‘get it’ when it comes to your work? Or is it  better to leave it up for interpretation? 

My work is not just a mere collection of paintings, it is a reflection of my innermost desires and  emotions. Each stroke of the brush is an attempt to exorcize something deep within me, a  feeling that needs to be expressed. Yet, the intention or theme behind my work is not always  obvious, nor does it need to be understood in a single, correct way.  

Art is a beautiful form of miscommunication, where the beholder is invited to have a  conversation with themselves. It is as if my art is a portal to a hidden realm, a place where  secrets and mysteries reside. The eerie beauty of my work is not just a mere visual experience,  it is a journey into the depths of one's mind and soul. As you gaze upon my art, you are invited  to explore the unknown parts of yourself, to honor them with a moment of present attention. 

Not Lonely (2022); Oil on Wood

What is your favorite era or style of art throughout history? And in  today's art world?  

My favorite era is the Renaissance, characterized by its emphasis on realism, balance, and  harmony. On the other hand, my favorite style is Surrealism, with its dreamlike imagery and  unexpected juxtapositions. I am constantly exploring ways to merge these two seemingly  disparate influences, infusing them with modern elements and vibrant pop art colors. It may  seem like a weird mix, but as Austin Kleon suggests in his book 'Steal like an Artist', it is out of  mixing several inspirations that original work comes to exist. I believe that borrowing from  multiple inspirations is essential to creating truly original work, allowing for the synthesis of  seemingly disparate elements into something entirely new and unexpected. 

Untitled; Oil on Paper

Do you have a relationship with other artists? Can you give us insight  into the ‘scene’ today? How do you interact among other artists? (In  person, online/social media, etc.) 

As an artist, I have a pretty extensive network of fellow creatives that I've had the pleasure of  meeting through a variety of channels. Some of them I've met at events, shows, and markets,  while others just sort of materialized in my life through the magic of the art scene. And then  there are those artists who I've only ever connected with online, which is pretty amazing when  you think about it. After all, it's not every day that you stumble upon an artist whose style truly  resonates with your own.  

Despite the diversity of my art squad, I have to say that I admire every single one of them. Sure,  we're all pretty different in terms of our style and approach, but that's what makes our collective bond so special. It's like a big, beautiful, messy family--the kind where everyone is weird in their  own way, but you love them all the same. 

Lighter (2023); Oil with Antique Frame

Do you have representation or featured in a gallery? 

I've had the privilege of being represented in the past, but at the moment,  I've decided to take a different route and pursue an independent business  model. While there are certainly benefits to this approach, as I continue to  grow as an artist, I've come to realize that I want to focus more on the creative process and achieving the highest level of mastery possible.  

To do this, I know that I need to let go of some control and rely on the  expertise of others. That's why I'm actively seeking representation in the  coming year. Having a knowledgeable partner to guide me through the  business side of the art world will allow me to focus more on creating art  that is authentic, meaningful, and inspiring. By finding the right  representative, I know that I'll be able to take my work to the next level and  achieve the success that I've been working towards. 

I Don't Know How (2022); Oil on Wood

What is next for you? How do you see your career continuing to  progress? 

There's a fire within me, a burning desire to break free from the chains of my limiting beliefs and  reach for the stars. My dreams are boundless, and I refuse to let anything hold me back. Every  day, I make it my mission to grow, to evolve into the best version of myself.  

And why do I do it? It's simple - I want to make a difference. I want to leave a mark on this  world, to touch people's lives in a way that goes beyond words. If I can inspire someone to see  things in a new light, to break free from their own limitations, then I know I'm on the right path.  

This upcoming year, I'm more determined than ever to make my dreams a reality. I'm ready to  pour my heart and soul into my work, to create something that truly resonates with people. And  I'm excited for the opportunities that might lie ahead - the chance to exhibit my work, to share  my vision with the world. It's going to be a year of growth, of transformation, and I can't wait to  see where it takes me.

Media Trap (2022); Oil on Canvas