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Camille Leger


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Born : August 29, 1945, Martinique, French Antilles.



Living in Martinique, French Antilles

PORTRAIT OF THE ARTIST :


I grew up in Fort-de-France on the island of Martinique where I attended the school of Perrinon. Until the age of 14, I spent all my school vacations with my grandfather, judge Albert Legelle. My fondest and most precious memories are those of that era which I shared with my many cousins.



As far back as I can remember, I always drew. As a teenager, I wrote a few poems but then came a hurricane and with it they went. 1996 was the year of exile after a failed marriage. Boats and planes transported me to Guadeloupe, from there to France, Europe and then from island to island.



As a pre-op nurse, I took advantage of my free time to browse art galleries, museums and expos in Paris and in other big european cities. 



Raising my four daughters on my own and with the support of my family, my creative spirit was put to use: 
- sewing (I am stylist and seamstress)
- interior design (curtains, canework, restoration of furniture and trinkets gathered from lea markets)



Upon my return to Martinique, I rekindled friendships with my artist friends and settled on admiring their work and even buying a few for myself, while in secrecy, I pursued art courses.



One day, the hospital of St. Martin made me an attractive job offer; I accepted! I found myself alone and free. Destiny had kept my big girls far from me. In August 2000, I settled on St. Martin, which in my opinion would be short lived nonetheless, it had a magical effect on me. It won me over with its multi ethnic population, and especially its indescribable colors, the blue of its sky, the emerald of its waters, the pink of its beaches.



Here I was, as free as a bird and full of energy but confronted to a great solitude to come to terms with and a multitude of faults to master. Alone with myself, I had no one depending on me in my day to day life and after work, I had a great deal of free time on my hands. And then it happened, I began painting passionately. My infatuation with watercolors and pastels lead me to a master in his own right, Cynric Griffith, at one of his expos. He took me under his wings for 2 hours a week for one month during which time I discovered various mediums and techniques and spent anywhere from 15 minutes to 12 hours non-stop painting and drawing.


Today, my living room is my atelier. From the time I rise, I can sweep up my pencils and brushes and work the canvas that awaits me.

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