Camellia Rowland grew up in a small desert town in southern California. She danced ballet for 13 years and trained with professional companies in Santa Barbara and San Diego. She has also lived in New York and Quebec and is fluent in French. She holds an associates degree in art and a bachelors degree in communications and interior design. After college Camellia worked as a design assistant and then moved into the world of special events, where she’s been for the last 5 years. She’s involved locally with the Tour of Utah, Sundance Film Festival, and Natural History Museum Gala Committee. She is currently the Events Manager for Ballet West. Camellia enjoys travel, reading, pilates, and good food. . 

 What hangs above your mantel?

I have two beautiful Mark Rothko prints on the wall. I love just about anything from the mid-century modern movement. Rothko and Albers are particular favorites for their use of color and shape. I chose Rothko prints with orange, yellow and pale red hues for my living room. The mantle itself holds two potted plants, an hour glass with orange sand, a few candles and an old Spartus Full Vue camera body.

 Do you remember a particular piece of art in your home growing up? What about it impressed you?

My mom has always been an art and humanities lover. She instilled in me early on a great appreciation for art and artistic expression. Our home was full of paintings, prints and coffee table books. She especially loved Homer, Wyeth, Rembrandt, and Pyle. A collection of Carl Larsson pieces hung above our couch for years. They depicted quintessential Swedish family scenes in the soft watercolor and extreme detail of the Arts & Crafts Movement. A picnic by the lake (The Crayfish Season Opens), a bustling breakfast table in the yard (On My Road), and a familial procession in the home (A Day of Celebration). Coming from a large busy family myself, the beauty and content of these paintings really spoke to me. They were romantic. They were classic. When I see them now I feel a strong connection to my younger years, exploring my own form of artistic expression in the home of my parents.

 If you could choose one person to paint or sculpt your portrait who would it be?

My first choice would be Alphonse Mucha. I studied his work in college and have been captivated by him ever since. Though his art was essentially used as a form of advertisement in the early 1900s, it exudes the style, charm and elegance of the century. He focused primarily on painting women, embellishing the overall image with intricate frames, feminine patterns, ornate lettering and fanciful costumes. I’d love to see his take on a modern woman painted with the elaborate and distinct details of Art Nouveau. My second choice—N.C. Wyeth. His unique realist style is stunning.

On the Spot

This is our chance to check in with members of Utah’s art community to see what they’ve been reading, seeing, doing.