Lea Cameron is a freshman Graphic Design major from Saint Charles, IL, who only this past year decided to be an artist. Until then, Cameron’s intention was to major in vocal performance. Cameron said, “I chose to be an art major because there is no wrong way to do art.” Cameron, who just started to paint recently, has currently declared it as her emphasis. Before coming to college, Cameron dabbled a bit in photography and had taken a couple drawing and ceramics classes, but nothing that would imply that she wanted to make a career out of it.

Cameron said, “I took an AP course last year and it killed me. I spent hours every night painting and teaching myself to catch up with the other students.” Cameron’s motivation and love for the arts is what brings her here today. Cameron said, “I am still very intimidated because many artists have been doing it for years.”

Cameron has always had an appreciation for art. As she grew up, she began to see and enjoy the works of her grandmother, who was also a painter, mainly doing landscapes and portraits. Her grandmother was a large influence on her path to becoming an art major because she continued to paint even after developing arthritis. Cameron describes her art as “surrealistic nature.” She said, “I love to draw and paint trees and flowers because I love the organic shapes and how much variety there is in nature.”

After hearing about Cameron’s style, it is evident who her favorite artists may be. Frida Kahlo’s self-portraits, her feminist nature and her ability to think freely are the reasons that Cameron considers her one of her favorite artists. Cameron loves Salvador Dali because of his surrealistic style, dark themes and use of muted color schemes. Cameron also adores Georgia O’Keeffe because of the way her pieces simply flow together, her abstract works, and her general use of flowers as subjects. When looking at Cameron’s work, it is apparent these three people hold a large influence in her life and her art.

For Cameron, being able to create and relax while making art is the best thing about being an art major. Cameron said, “[Art] is very therapeutic for me, and it helped me through a lot.” Cameron believes that the worst thing about being an art major is the artist block. To combat the artist block, Cameron continues to paint whatever she feels. Whether Cameron it is painting for an assignment or a way to relieve everyday stresses, nothing can slow her down.

Cameron explained how her dream job is to be either a tattoo artist or a traditional artist. She said, “I would also love to own my own art gallery someday. I would love to sell my art and buy a pottery wheel.” To accomplish her dreams, Cameron wants to eventually convert her future home into an art studio. In response to the question of whether or not Cameron would like to pursue a more specific career path, Cameron gave choices such as illustrating for children’s books or teaching art. To find the best path for her Cameron said, “I’m going to take more classes and experiment to see what I like best.”

Whatever road Cameron may take she is sure to be successful in the art field. Art has changed from a hobby into a career for Cameron. Cameron said, “I am so happy I decided to pursue art. It is so fulfilling, and I’ve never been happier.”