Meet Cydney Camp | Visual artist

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

Hi Cydney, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I worked full-time for 6 years in economic development while I built my studio practice on the side. Once I decided to start grad school for my MFA in Painting, it was time for me to commit most of my time to my artwork. I still work on freelance projects alongside an active studio practice. I’m glad that I was able to launch my painting career without the immediate pressure of relying on it as the only thing to pay my bills. I also believe that it’s crucial for working artists to have other sources of income, until we can financially support more of our life from our practice.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Art was a lifelong hobby until about 6 years ago when I began to study painting in earnest on my own. I earned my BA in political science from Michigan State, and I’m currently pursuing my MFA in Painting at the Cranbrook Academy of Art.

This path has presented many challenges and victories. In the beginning, I faced the challenges that come with teaching myself my craft, along with balancing my studio practice alongside my full-time job.

Today, I balance the personal, emotional, mental, physical, and financial challenges that come with attending grad school, working on part-time freelance projects, and growing my studio practice. I also live with a chronic autoimmune disorder.

One of the many thing’s I’ve learned on this journey is to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. I’ve learned how to work at my own pace and embrace a slower rhythm to nurture higher-quality opportunities. I’m eternally grateful for this wild life of mine!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There are so many options to have a great time in Detroit. During the day, we could visit a few local institutions – Detroit Institute of Arts (we’ll have to get coffee in Kresge court!), MOCAD, Eastern Market, or John King Books are some of my favorites. If it’s nice out, we could spend some time walking around Belle Isle, or admiring the architecture in one of Detroit’s many historic neighborhoods. After a few hours of exploring, we would definitely owe ourselves a massage at Metaphysica in Corktown.

I’m a huge foodie, so we would definitely have a meal at Selden Standard, San Morello, or Johnny Noodle King. There is always an interesting art show to check out – if we’re lucky, maybe we can catch an opening at a local gallery like M Contemporary Art, Library Street Collective, or Norwest Gallery. I’d love to end the evening with drinks and a DJ set at TV Lounge or Motor City Wine after a great art show.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have to dedicate my shoutout to my supporters! I’m lucky to live in a city where I am surrounded by many kind people who thoughtfully engage with my art. I’m really lucky to have my particular inner circle of my family, friends, and partner, who consistently hold me down and inspire me to be my best self. Shoutout to yall!

Website: www.cydneycamp.com

Instagram: instagram.com/repunxel

Image Credits
Please credit CJ Benninger for the headshot