Spill it! Introductions, please!
Hi, I’m Camilla Moss! I’m a watercolor artist and textile designer in Birmingham. After a 15-year career as a CPA was brought to a stop with the birth of my youngest in 2019, I picked up a paint brush and began painting as an outlet and a way to fill my time while caring for our children, including one with special needs. I found that creativity was hidden inside my heart, and I treasured the time I was able to spend with a paint brush in my hand. So, after a major career change and a giant leap of faith, here we are today!
Pivoting from a CPA to artist is quite the jump! Have you always been a painter at heart or did you learn later in life?
Ah, yes! Quite a pivot later in life! I grew up watching my mother create beautiful French heirloom dresses, start a successful monogramming business, and needlepoint every free minute. While I’m not using the same medium, I owe my creativity to her! I had an itch to take an art class in 2016, and continued to dabble here and there until I had the time to really devote to practicing in watercolor in late 2018.
What advice would you give to aspiring artists who are interested in exploring their creative potential but don’t know where to start?
My advice would be to start small! Pick up a few supplies (they don’t have to be expensive) and carve out a few minutes to paint every day if you can. Of course, I love watercolor as the supplies are relatively inexpensive and it’s an easy medium to pick up when time allows. And, of course, classes can be a fun introduction to painting, so grab a friend and sign up for one in your area. Look for classes at your local art store, or even through your favorite local artists.
Do you have any specific themes or subjects that you find particularly inspiring in your work?
Yes! I am drawn to paint all the beautiful things the Lord has provided us in nature from botanicals to butterflies to seashells found on the coast and clouds in the sky. With this in mind, inspiration is all around us! From flowers on your neighborhood walk to beautiful butterflies fluttering past, you just need to open your heart and mind to all that you see around you!
Where do you look for inspiration when you’re in a rut?
When I’m in a rut, it’s best for me to put down the paint brush and get outside. I go on walks with friends, pop in a few inspiring shops around town, and flip through my favorite coffee table books. I see patterns everywhere I look, and I am always surprised at things that spark my creativity! After I’ve taken care of myself through exercise and rest, I usually feel refreshed and ready to get back to the studio.
How/Why did you expand beyond the canvas to wallpaper and textiles?
When I first started my business, I dove into learning all about surface pattern design. It is an incredible feeling to see your own designs on different products from children’s clothes to custom linens to beautiful handbags. Having a textile line was a dream of mine early on, and it took a few years of research, design, and hard work to finally launch my brand. I couldn’t be more thrilled with this aspect of my business, such a delight to see my textiles and wallpaper in homes across the country!
What’s next? Can you fill us in on any exciting new projects?New things are always in the works in my studio! I just launched my Fall 2023 collection of textiles and, of course, I will have new original watercolor paintings, ornaments, and other fun offerings in the shop for the Holidays. I will certainly share all the fun things happening on my Instagram.
And now for a round of rapid fire questions…
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Guilty pleasure song to paint to?
My kids have introduced me to Lil Boo Thang by Paul Russell (don’t tell anyone)
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TV you’re currently watching?
In a current TV slump, but I’m currently reading The Masterpiece by Fiona Davis and about to start Surprised by Oxford by Carolyn Weber.
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Favorite classic artist?
John Singer Sargent’s watercolors
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Favorite new and upcoming artist to follow?
Loving Kaitlin Gray’s artwork! Her still life paintings are beautiful!
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Favorite newsletter subscription?
Magpie by Jen Shoop
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Everyday writing utensil of choice?
The Tombow brush pen (I write all my letters with it!)
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What’s the last photo you saved on IG? (send us a screenshot)
Last photo saved on IG: Lovely wallpaper in a bar area @awelldressedhomellc via @preppyemptynester
Oh goodness, yes! Mom life is quite busy and full at this stage! Running from soccer practice to robotics, volleyball to bible study, Pilates to the grocery store (my life in a nutshell) while also trying to run a small business is quite the challenge, so I definitely need a bag that can keep up. I’m loving the N&C Classic Tote! It is stylish and chic, perfect for fall, and large enough to carry all the things that my current stage of life demands. A win, win for me!
Spill It! Can we look inside your bag right now?
Are you sure you’re ready for this? Buckle up! My sketch book, pencil and eraser, my Remarkable (also for drawing and notetaking on the go), a diaper, wipes, air pods (I love a good podcast), Revision lip replenisher (goes everywhere with me), a Hotwheels car, a Go Macro bar (my favorite quick snack), applesauce pouch, a set of my scripture cards, the book I’m currently reading (never know when there will be 5 minutes to spare), my phone, and another small toy car from the treasure box at school. And guess what…it all fits delightfully well in the Classic Tote!
