Camille Olsen-Ormandy
Sydney-based artist Camille Olsen-Ormandy captures the unique essence of people and their stories through richly expressive portraiture. Grounded in ritual and curiosity, her work is an intimate study of connection.
Photos MYLES KALUS
Sydney-based artist, Camille Olsen-Ormandy.
Inside Camille Olsen-Ormandy’s sun drenched Sydney studio space.
‘I love oil paint so much; the finish, the feeling, the malleability,’ says Camille Olsen-Ormandy.
Hello Camille—can you tell us a little about your creative journey… where did it begin for you?
From the moment I could hold a pencil or paint brush, my parents presented me with the opportunity to play. Throughout my education an art class would always follow—it started out as an activity, to then something I enjoyed, to now being a passion. It wasn’t until I graduated high school that I realised how strong my passion was, when my only thought for university education was arts school. I knew I had to follow this feeling.
What does a typical day in your studio look like—are there particular routines that ground or inspire you?
For me, the grounding practice is the art making itself. I typically enter the studio frazzled, inattentive and distracted, scrolling on my phone, overthinking everything. Once I get the motivational push to begin, I start to calm down and focus on the task at hand. It’s a form of meditation, a chance to let my only thought be the paint at the end of my brush.
For your portraits, how do you begin approaching a new subject?
I’m inspired by film and the idea of the character. This is why when I look for a subject to paint, I gravitate towards personas; be it in style, how they dress, unusual beauty or a story that’s shown on their faces. I look to the people around me, I always want to keep the work close to my environment.
How important is solitude to your creative process, especially when working on portraits?
Solitude is great when I really need to focus in on detail, but I love the experience of having my subjects in the studio, painting from life. There’s a real pressure and high energy I find to be motivating and uncomfortable at times, which I like. I do feel more distracted as my curiosity peeks asking questions and getting to know my subjects, but I love having the energy different energies in my space, it’s such a special part of the journey.
Are there materials or tools you feel most drawn to when painting?
I love oil paint so much; the finish, the feeling, the malleability. Like my childhood art teacher would say, ‘It’s like painting with butter.’ I also love ceramics, the physicality of clay, and the endless prayers to the kiln gods that your pieces won’t crack.
How do you know when a portrait is finished?
There’s never a straightforward answer, but more an ongoing push and pull. Sometimes you over do it, sometimes it needs more work—it’s a constant flow. I always think of the quote by Leonardo da Vinci: ‘Art is never finished, only abandoned.’
‘I seek to capture the unique essence of people and the stories they hold.’
‘I’m so inspired by film, and the idea of the character. This is why when I look for a subject to paint, I gravitate towards personas; be it in style, how they dress or unusual beauty or story that’s shown on their faces.’
“The act of painting is a space where I can always find myself again when I feel lost—it’s like a homing call to the soul.”
Camille Olsen-Ormandy is drawn to bright colours and eccentric fashion.
‘For me [inspiration strikes] in the films I watch, the art galleries I visit, and the simple sweet moments of noticing the mundane.’
What do you hope people feel when they connect with your work?
I hope people feel inspired. I want to create a sense of joy and curiosity, or maybe to have the viewer leave with questions such as, ‘Who is this person, and what is their story?’
Do you have any daily rituals or creative habits that ground you before starting work?
Outside of painting I read, crochet, meditate, journal, write poetry and watch films, which all converge within my creative habits, but I find the most grounding thing will always be the act of painting. It’s a space where I can always find myself again when I feel lost—like a homing call to the soul.
Are there any particular moments in your practice when you surprise yourself or learn something new about your process?
I think it’s when I’ve observed my family and friends painting, and how they approach the canvas and the things that drive them. My grandfather for example, would like to ‘take the line for a walk’ alluding to his paint strokes, while my dad speaks of colours like personalities. On the other hand, my mum uses gesture and movement to evoke feelings of the body and mind. All these different outlooks help to inform my own process and what painting means to me.
Where does inspiration mostly strike for you?
For me it’s in the films I watch, the art galleries I visit, and the simple sweet moments of noticing the mundane. I’ve recently been observing the light violet blue light that shines through my shower window and the complimentary grey and yellow specks of water that emphases the glow.
The most rewarding part of what you do…
The process of making will always be the most rewarding.
And the most challenging…
Paintings faces has always been the most challenging, which I think my obsession first began.
What do you love to do most in your downtime?
Catching up with friends and going on adventure, weekend getaways, live music gigs, film festivals and craft clubs. Anything to do with being a part of and supporting my local creative scene.
What excites you most about where your practice is heading next?
The opportunities to travel! I’m embarking on my first artist residency in Japan this November. Japan is a country I grew up visiting, and a place of endless inspiration. The chance to explore new places and cultures is so enriching.
To stay up to date with Camille’s work, visit her website or follow @camilleormandy on Instagram.
