Cameron Kletke, a Calgary-born and Vancouver-based artist, finds her inspiration in the people around her. With a sticker-covered Moleskine sketchbook in hand, Cam can often be seen drawing or writing—sketching imaginative characters, strangers on the bus or live models at local figure-drawing sessions, or recording her internal dialogue and intriguing observations on daily life in her messy left-handed script. She often bridges drawing and text in what I would describe as a humorous and raw diary-meets-comic style, which served as the basis of Cam’s 2023 graduation film, Between You and Me.
Cam approaches each project with a determined spirit and a touch of blind optimism, captured perfectly by her motto, “I’ll fix it in post,” which has yet to fail her. Like a true Capricorn, she balances creativity with practicality: she enjoys keeping to a strict schedule while allocating the majority of her time to experimenting. Extensive material experimentation always comes first in Cam’s process, allowing her to discover new ways of storytelling or abstract mark-making. She works like a mad genius, her computer desktop in chaotic disarray and her worktables coated in paper piles, paint and pastel smudges, yet she always has clear and brilliant visions of an end goal in mind and will undoubtedly find her way to the breathtaking results.
Family holds a special place in Cam’s heart, particularly her relationship with her twin sister, Holly, which inspired her most recent film, the National Film Board of Canada’s Hothouse production Not Enough Womb for the Two of Us. Drawing from Cam’s childhood, the film humorously reflects on the rivalry and unconditional love of a sisterly bond, using some of her favourite materials: pastels, paint and pencil crayon.
With a love for collaboration, Cam is always open to working with local artists and loves to host art parties in her spare time. She is currently collaborating with animator and artist Mia Milardo on an upcoming animated film, which is in its early stages of production.
-Written by Mia Milardo, animator, collaborator and friend
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Which ‘hood are you in?
After growing up in the Woodbine neighbourhood of Calgary, I moved to East Vancouver to attend Emily Carr University in 2018 and have been here ever since. I really fell in love with Vancouver’s rainy weather, which, combined with its beautiful beaches and parks, makes it a fantastic place to live.
What do you do?
I am currently working as an animation and illustration TA (teaching assistant) at Emily Carr University, in their Teen Summer Program. My main practice focuses on animation and drawing, so this job is a real treat.
What are you currently working on?
Alongside animator Mia Milardo, I am in the early production stages of an upcoming animated short film.
Where can we find your work?
You can check out my website or Instagram.
Not Enough Womb for the Two of Us can now be streamed free of charge across Canada on the National Film Board of Canada’s platform.
