ep. 84 Cami Smith LISTENER LAB Creativity & Community

In this week’s episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Cami Smith, an incredible artist and community builder who shared her inspiring creative journey. We explored the importance of connecting with our creative selves and overcoming the limiting beliefs that hold us back. Cami spoke of her passion for building community, how her mother influenced her art, her creative evolution from fiber arts to painting, and we discussed how creativity gives us a sense of control, and acts like a rudder for our lives. We also reflected on the wisdom of Jane Dunnewald, and how her message of self-love and acceptance is the foundation for a good life. We talked about the importance of being curious and that the universe does not take away gifts but uses them to propel us forward.

How does your creativity make you feel more in control? Listen to the full episode for insights and ideas on how to trust your creative intuition.

In our latest episode, we had the privilege of diving deep into a conversation with Cami Smith, a truly inspiring artist, community builder, and all-around creative force. Cami’s journey, from fiber art and quilting to her current passion for painting, is a testament to the power of embracing change and trusting your own unique path. We discussed how our creativity helps us to feel in control of our lives, and how those feelings can guide us through difficult moments.

One of the most compelling themes of our conversation was the importance of community. Cami, who says that “community is my middle name,” has spent years actively building connections within the fiber art world, and now as a painter. For Cami community provides a way for artists from around the world to connect. She is also very active in the digital gaming community, supporting programmers and other introverted creatives through community events. As Kate pointed out, the importance of community is vital, even though she herself is an introvert.

We also delved into the challenge of overcoming our inner critics. Those nagging voices that tell us we’re not good enough or that we’re not doing things right. Cami shared how her own evolution as an artist has helped her silence that voice, as has her work in the game industry, where she encourages others to find their space. She has learned how to identify and reframe her negative thoughts, a practice that has been transformative for her, and Kate shared her process of journaling and reframing her thoughts by understanding the feelings and actions they provoke.

Cami’s personal journey is also deeply rooted in the influence of her artist mother. Cami shared stories about her mother's artistic practice, her unique way of seeing the world and the challenges she faced as a female artist in her time. Cami’s mother inspired her to be independent and this value became an important part of Cami's life as well. We explored the idea that sometimes our life’s experiences, including loss and change, can be seen like peeling an onion. Each layer that comes off reveals more of who we are and the potential for growth, and every loss is another opportunity.

Drawing on the wisdom of Jane Dunnewald, we discussed the notion that creativity makes us feel more in control. Jane’s powerful message of self-acceptance and self-love resonated deeply, as it is the starting point for a fulfilling and authentic life. Jane’s work emphasizes curiosity, clarity, confidence and community, and these pillars act as guideposts for us as we navigate our way.

Cami and Kate also explored the idea of bridging the gap between the art world and large corporations. This led to a discussion about the ways that larger institutions can incorporate human touches into their practices, and how the art community can build relationships that support these changes. Cami noted that Amazon has supported some of her community events for people in the digital games industry.

Cami shared a bit about her sketchbook practices, and how she uses them to record her ideas, her random thoughts and her colours. During the pandemic she led an online course based on maps, and she is currently creating a piece that weaves memories into her art.

Finally, we closed out our discussion with a reflection on one of Jane's most important messages: that the universe doesn't just give you something only to take it away. We acknowledged the truth in that, that sometimes things may feel like they are being taken away, however, in hindsight, we can see that those “losses” are really just catalysts for something new.

This conversation left us feeling empowered and inspired. We hope that you will take a moment to listen, embrace your creativity and connect with your community. 

The universe is always giving, even when it seems like it is taking away.