(RE) Emergence - Camille Myles shares the background to her solo exhibition

Allow me to share the remarkable beginnings of this exhibition. As I navigated the depths of mental health struggles following the birth of my third child, while juggling the demands of work and family, my life seemed to spiral out of control. In the midst of this turbulent period, a profound desire to connect with others and rediscover my artistic voice emerged.

Driven by this need for connection, I turned to social media and reached out to mothers, inviting them to take a moment for themselves. I requested a simple act: a selfie with their eyes closed, accompanied by a word that described how they were feeling. The response was overwhelming. What began as a modest request transformed into an outpouring of vulnerability and raw emotions.

Over 100 private messages flooded my inbox, each containing heartfelt testimonials on the inner struggles of contemporary motherhood—an unfiltered discussion seldom presented on curated social media pages. These photos became a portal, leading me on a path of reconnection with both my art practice and my community. It was within this transformative journey that the seeds of (RE)Emergence were sown.

In this exhibition, I explore the profound metaphorical significance of butterflies as harbingers of change and the fleetingness of life. Delicate ceramic butterflies that fill the space, alongside meticulously sculpted chains and cage-like structures, converge to evoke contemplation on transformative journeys. Drawing inspiration from my background as a park superintendent and archaeologist, I celebrate the interconnectedness of nature, history, and the metamorphic power of art. In Greek, the word Psyche signifies Butterfly, which perfectly sums up this deep dive into my inner thoughts.

Through the use of ceramic as my medium, I capture the fragile and transformative essence of butterflies, while simultaneously honouring the hidden strength of motherhood through meticulously sculpted chains and cage-like structures. These artworks stand as symbols of resilience and protection, showcasing the innate power within each mother.

Supported by the Ontario Arts Council, the RBC Arts Incubator program, and the Centre des femmes francophones du comté de Simcoe Colibri, this exhibition not only celebrates the power of femininity and the indomitable spirit of motherhood but also emphasizes the strength that arises from a supportive community. It serves as a testament to the resilience and shared experiences of contemporary mothers.

As a testament to its immersive nature and the resonance of its themes, I have been honoured to be shortlisted for the prestigious International Emerging Women Artist Award by Arts to Hearts Project. This recognition underscores the significance of the stories conveyed within this exhibition and the impact they have on viewers.

(Re) Emergence is on show at Midland Cultural Centre, Midland, Ontario til 5th August 2023

See more from Camille on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/camillemylesart/