5 Things We Learned... Camille Rousseau

I snuck in a studio visit with Camille Rousseau 3 days before The Netherlands went into its first lockdown. Over coffee and a little chocolate, we talked about her work and the wide range of materials and processes she engages to create such a prolific collection of paintings and prints. There were some light jokes about the impending crisis (how could we have known?!) and musings on brand collaborations (we’ve both been in the luxury retail trenches for better or worse). Her work showcases beautifully presented compositions, which sometimes evoke the idea of art nouveau, but in a contemporary, innovative style. Very Parisian in Amsterdam, which is exactly what she is.

Here are 5 Things We Learned about Camille.

What made you...you?

Growing up in central Paris was retrospectively an incredible start in life, looking up to my passionate parents who are architects and graphic designers. However, the urge was to leave Paris and discover the world. The sensation was too strong: I had to experience multiple cities and lives. Examples of 3 of the cities I have lived in include Arles, London, and Amsterdam. I always wanted to get out of my comfort zone: to feel new again, like a child amazed by meeting new people and experiences. 

When are you happiest?

When I work, losing my bearings and track of time: painting, sketching, and collaborating with others, like artists, curators, etc.

Would you rather have a muse or be a muse?

Have a muse, very obviously. My ultimate one is nature, looking at her being, staring at her shapes and forms. I am profoundly in admiration and inspired by it and that provokes the importance for me to have some humility. I like spending time in the Natural History Museum. My other muse is my daughter Raphaelle, an endless inspiration. 

Who do you admire?

I admire people’s obsessiveness in their work or passion, determination, and (desire to) lead by meaning. Often those (people) who are asking questions and search. It could be a mathematician or an artist: anyone who doesn’t have an answer. 

What is important?

To be conscious, alive, and grateful whenever this is possible. My family is my drive. We have to make the most out of this privileged time of living.