Artist's Statement: Camellia Jiles

I’ve been an artist and a Christian since I was very young, and because of that, these disciplines developed alongside and influenced each other. I was raised being told that I should always use my gifts to glorify God. For most of my life, I interpreted this as something very literal, like painting pictures of Jesus or including a cross or some biblical reference in whatever I created. While that work is no less meaningful, I came to discover that I can bring glory to God simply by making work that reflects who He is: a creator of beautiful things, a bringer of joy, a lover of humanity. 

(Bodily Diversity Series) Line-up #1 (from Laura, Daija, Sarah, Alli), 2019, digital

(Bodily Diversity Series) Line-up #2 (from Chase, Jon, Akin, Pete), 2019, digital

People have always been my favorite artistic subject, and as I’ve grown to see God more and more in the people around me, I’m even more inspired to give attention to the loving care and pride that God put into each and every person that he formed from the dust.

CHLESE, 2019, digital

Much of my work is a response to my indignation at the lack of physical diversity in media, including race, body type, skin tone, etc. This lack of representation can lead people to believe that their God-given features and characteristics aren’t beautiful. As a black female, I’m speaking from personal experience. In addition to physical characteristics, my work also seeks to capture the beauty of human complexity and healthy relationships.

(Bodily Diversity Series) Turnaround #1 (from Alli), 2020, digital

Bunny Sisters (Both 6 ½ ft Tall): Summer Rain, 2019, digital

(Bodily Diversity Series) Turnaround #2 (from Pete), 2020, digital

yellow, 2020, digital

(Bodily Diversity Series) Headshots, 2019, digital

OOTD, 2020, digital

 If I can do anything with my art, I want people to feel loved and acknowledged. People should be able to delight in seeing their characteristics depicted in a way that honors the loving care that the Lord held for them as He made them. Humans, that God Himself suffered and died for, are His most beloved creation. Each time that I draw them, I have a greater reverence and fondness for Him.

Camellia Jiles is a freshly graduated studio art alumna of Louisiana Tech. She is a wise and calming presence in our community known for her compassion, sense of humor, and selflessness. You can often catch her drawing on her laptop, laughing with friends, dancing, wearing a cute outfit or all of the above. Camellia will be a member of the La Tech Wesley's staff of ministry interns during the 2020-2021 school year.