We recently had the chance to connect with Marie Anne Decamp and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Marie Anne, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I would say i am wandering within my path, in a sens of keeping enough freedom…to stay free!
As an artist the wandering, the open minded aspects of the quest, are to me indissociable of my art. Art is freedom, yet the path is narrow and hard. Being an artist in this period of time is, i think, a very interesting path on which you have to wander a little to find the light in your work, to explore your art and to work on the upcoming of its potential, with also its public aspects. But, on an other hand, you need to keep carefully on your own way, the one that reflects your inner being, your dreams and your abilities which allow your art to bloom freely, in a balanced and evolutive way. The wander within this personal artistic path has to be experience with a little wiseness sometimes not to fell of the road, and keep the fun out of it, while being steady in your fondations to be able to walk this path which might be compare to a destiny possibly.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Marie Anne Decamp, MAD, for short… Expressionist artist painter from France, in love with southern California. I like to express Love, freedom, justice and a kind of denunciation of the opposite through colorful unique paintings. But most of all i like fun and currently working on a dedicated artwork for the famous LA art show 2026, ocurring next January. I would like this artwork to reflect the special wind blowing in Cali that i started to experience in the 90s. Such an a deep life changing experience for me influencing my art and my personality, through several long stays there in a bohemian beach community with unique locals. Also musician, i write rock songs. My last long perpective project ? A short animated anticipation movie about an incredible love story, in a very special spiritual context, that i m working on.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
Work ?…is now a kind of abstract concept for me. i see it as a whole, a way to try to surpass myself, again & again, as a whole in my way of life. The artistic path is passionating, very demanding, and never ending…So its needed to be perseverant, yet humble at the same time, i think, while relaying on your own artistic abilities.
Many people has taught me about work, thanks a lot to them…yet if i would choose only one person, applying to artistic aspects especially, but not only, it is my dear best Californian friend, who is just an amazing person, with, on the top of it, a big heart.
His intelligence, emphathy, integrity & courage would deserve an award if it would exist. This person is still helping me freely in art business, design counsels, encouraging moral support…but most of all its someone who can understand me & my art, i think. Thanks also, to time in this long distance friendship, who is also the first Californian i was ever meeting, in London…back in the days (fun times!) and, a life changing opportunity as well, the friend who open his home to welcome me several times, along with others such nice people, for several long stays in southern Cali. from an early age.
More generally, as a french person that i am, i m not sure i can be better as Californians in work matters, you guys rocks !
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Be smart, be kind, be strong, be confident and keep searching for what you are made for in case it’s not obvious, iI will come. Don’t give up, do not be afraid of failing, Be courageous and perseverant and at the mean time be open minded for good and inspiring ideas and experiences which will be part of your inner self, building it up to face every challenges. Don’t loose time and energy in vain things. Have discernment and wiseness, and allow your self to have much fun in the good things you do, walk in love and, if possible, surround your self with the right people. Have faith.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
As an artist, in the wide meaning, you are supposed to bring the mode with your art, your personnality your beliefs. Your foundations comes from your inner self that you let out in your art and your appearance. Your character, your acts as well as your hopes nourrish your dreams. All of this builds up foundations which are strong…shift appears to me when my style tends to evoluate. At this point, i usely start a new period of a new series. Those shifs are not brutal, and become fundationnal naturaly through a little bit of time in the practice, but also in the mental process occuring as the same time, or before your actually start to paint.
Fads shifs in art … a little abtract for me, i think it’s finally a concept that i don’t know, because i try to accept it as it comes.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
Legacy…i am not sure everyone understand mine. i ve already had an uncommon life, with many aspects and many experiences in a lot of fields, and with several long stay abroad, including south California, so most people had missed bit in my life story and evolution. Also, as an artist i’ve been quite discreet for many years and almost only autodidact. It was the unconscious training period. i was absorbing feelings and visuals of what i was living to get it out now, as i have evolved also in my own creative activities and painting technics through times. I have decided to commercialize my art less than 10 years. I understand what one can think because i am an early artist in a mature age on the market.
You know, everyone has its particular and personnal destiny, yet not everyone is ready to do what needed to get it out. The commitment is great, the sacrifice can be present, but in perpective with the privilege of expressing one self in art, the weight is lighter, and the hopes and dreams starts to happen! Go for it!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.marie-anne-decamp.com
- Instagram: marie.anne_decamp_art
- Other: contact : [email protected]
Image Credits
Laurent Grumbach
Mounir Hadi
Emmanuel Gonzales
Marie anne Decamp
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