In the Studio with Artist CamCurated

Today, we are going In the Studio with artist CamCurated. His artwork will be on display at our upcoming 25th Anniversary Legacy show on display June 24 - August 30, 2026 in Hal Gomer Gallery.

CamCurated is a Maryland-based visual artist whose work celebrates the richness and spirit of Black American culture. Working primarily in acrylic on wood, he explores texture, rhythm, and form to create paintings that feel both grounded and expressive. The natural grain of the wood gives his pieces a tactile presence, allowing color and light to interact in dynamic ways that bring each subject to life.

Largely self-taught, CamCurated draws inspiration from the vivid storytelling of painter Ernie Barnes and the human depth captured in the photography of Gordon Parks. His art merges abstraction with cultural narrative, presenting everyday Black life with pride, warmth, and authenticity.

Since returning to art in 2024 after many years away, he has developed a distinctive style rooted in movement and emotion. In 2025, his work was selected for the UNDER $2500 Virtual Exhibition presented by Maryland Art Place, marking a meaningful milestone in his creative journey. In 2026, his work was featured in The Power Within, a group exhibition honoring Black History Month at Chesapeake Arts Center’s Hal Gomer Gallery, celebrating the strength, creativity, and legacy of Black and African American artists.

Additional 2026 exhibitions include The Stories of US: Exploring the American Experience and Narratives at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Googleworks 18th Annual Juried Exhibition at GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, and The Weight We Carry: Mental Health Awareness Month Exhibition at Chesapeake Arts Center.

His growing body of work continues to explore identity, community, and the beauty found in ordinary moments.

CamCurated currently lives and creates in Anne Arundel County, Maryland.

To find out more about CamCurated and his work, visit his website.

What drives you to continue making art?

My creative approach is rooted in storytelling, remembrance, and personal healing. Those three parts of my life continue to fuel my artistic process. I find that each piece becomes a way to process experience while also preserving moments that feel larger than myself.

What has the process of developing your own artistic voice been like?

Developing my artistic voice has come naturally because I do not believe in overthinking or chasing the idea of "perfect" art. That mindset gives my creative spirit the freedom to be authentic. Over time, I’ve learned to trust my instincts more fully, which has made my work more honest and direct.

How does a piece evolve from an idea to a finished work?

Most of my work is inspired by actual photographs of Black American culture. When an image speaks to me, I almost instantly imagine how it could be transformed into my artistic style. From there, I create a rough plan for the piece while allowing my creative spirit to guide any changes along the way. This balance between structure and intuition is what allows the work to feel alive.

Is there a common thread, theme, or motif you always find comes up in your work?

My work intentionally celebrates Black American culture by portraying everyday life. Whether the scene is contemporary or from decades ago, my goal is to honor my people, my culture, and my ancestors. I am especially drawn to moments of quiet dignity and beauty that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Please describe a meaningful experience you've had at Chesapeake Arts Center.

Since returning to art in 2024, my first in-person exhibition was with Chesapeake Arts Center. Having the staff connect with my work and select it for multiple exhibitions has been a joyful and validating part of my journey back to art after so many years away. That early support helped reaffirm that I was on the right path creatively.

How do other artists influence your work? Do you consider your practice collaborative?

Other artists inspire me to explore different techniques in building my visual storytelling. Whether it’s adding more landscape, incorporating greater realism, or introducing new conceptual elements, I remain open to experimentation through the work of others. While my practice is primarily individual, I see it as part of a larger ongoing visual conversation within the art community.