Camilla Byrd

Based in St. Petersburg, Florida, Camilla Byrd (b. 1991) is an artist currently pursuing a Master of Fine Arts degree at the University of South Florida, whose vibrant oil portraits delve deep into the psychological landscapes of her subjects. Drawing inspiration from a diverse array of sources such as photo archives, historical paintings, cinematic films, and personal photographs, her work thoughtfully examines themes of sisterhood, intimacy, and connection. These influences serve as critical touchstones, guiding her exploration of the emotional contours that shape adolescence and the quiet evolutions of womanhood. 

Byrd’s paintings embody a cinematic quality, inspired by the evocative lighting typical of film sets, allowing her to create artificial environments that mimic life and evoke emotional reactions. Her process involves the creation of vision boards for photoshoots, which eventually transform into large-scale portraits. Comprehensive lists of ideas and ongoing notes accompany these boards, intertwining autobiographical narratives with fictional stories and historical motifs.