An Exclusive interview from Yerevan to Paris. Illustrator Camille Witt about art, humor and her city
I was at home, in Yerevan, then suddenly I moved to Paris. Illustrator Camille Witt introduced me to the local Parisian cafes, stylish Parisians, their humor and everything else that is hidden in the city of love.
– For starters, how did you start drawing?
– When I was a child, I had art class on Wednesday afternoons, because there is no school for children on that day in France, so my parents wanted me to do stay occupied. I used to love that time of creation, then at high school I took a specialty in art before starting my studies in art school.
– For an artist, I’m guessing, the environment plays a big role. What do you think, how Paris affects you as an artist?
– I love Paris, I was born here and I grew up here and it’s always an inspiration. I love to draw cafes with watercolor, I think there is somethings special in Parisian bistros, and in little beautiful places hidden in Paris, it’s an atmosphere I never get tired of!
– Do you think your illustrations illustrate you in some way?
– Of course, I often represent myself, in funny situations, I like to share a story, it’s a way to express myself or to share some experiences I had.
– There, in France, how does it feel to be a female artist, are there any discriminations?
– I think there are discrimination against women in the art world in France, but to be honest I grew up in a privilege world, my parents have always supported me, I have always had the possibility to study what I want, and there were more women than men in my art school, then as I work a lot on Instagram and not that much on gallery, it’s more of a lonely road so I don’t really face discrimination.
– Do you think your art allows us to view the world differently?
– Not exactly, just to see it my way. I don’t know if it’s different, but I like to bring humor and colors and positive vibes.
– I keep thinking that being an artist is not just a profession, it affects one’s lifestyle, behavior, taste. What is your opinion about this?
– Yes of course, it’s an everyday, every second job, I can’t just stop at 7 pm, go home and finish my work day. I work late at nights if I have some inspiration, I work during weekends, Holidays, it’s a way of life.
– I also love your Instagram account, your style is stunning. Do you think sense of style is something natural, or something one should work on?
– Thank you! I think it can be both, it’s natural for some people and for others it comes by being inspired.
– When people will be looking back at this period of art history, what do you hope they’ll say about you?
– I hope they will say that I brought humor and colors, joy and sweetness. Maybe this is what I try to represent. I want to be something and someone positive for other people.
Ani Gabuzyan
