Whether as an artist, author, filmmaker or educator, Camy De Mario springs forward with action.
Her award-winning animated short stories, such as the entertaining “Malibu and Roxie Series,” in books and on film, utilize 21st century technology to uphold timeless messages of harmony and peace.
“I have always been deeply inspired by Walt Disney Studios and the way their storytelling can create emotion, magic, and connection across all ages. That sense of wonder and heart is something I strive to bring into my own work and in my visual art,” says De Mario.
That feeling is particularly evident in her adorable dog characters, Malibu and Roxie. The two anthropomorphic friends gently guide youngsters through a range of heartfelt emotions to happy resolutions. Themes of tolerance, love and friendship also offer teaching opportunities for parents and guardians as they guide and read stories with their children.
“Whether I’m illustrating a children’s book, animating a story, or painting, my goal is to evoke emotion and create a sense of wonder,” De Mario emphasizes.
A film version of “A Tale of Two Tails,” taken from the series, was submitted to the Vero Beach Film Festival and accepted in the Vero Visions Category. It also garnered Best Animation Short at the Palm Beach Shorts Film Festival, as well as Best Animated Short Film and Best Original Filmmaker in the Women in Film Beyond Borders Awards.
“When I create a film, such as ‘A Tale of Two Tails,’ I begin by following the book’s illustrations and animating them using my software,” De Mario explains.
“I then develop the script, adapting it from the manuscript into a format that works for film. The final stages include recording the voiceovers and editing the film. It’s a detailed process that takes time before everything is ready to be shared.”
De Mario calls working on her paintings a blissful experience, explaining that using brushes allows for a free-flowing approach where she can explore spontaneous creativity. Her process on canvas is fluid and involves a mix of different mediums. Each captivating painting could easily be the inception of yet another children’s book or film.
For example, every painting invites the child in us to lose ourselves to a content realm. The dreamlike quality of her painting “The Fairy and the White Horse, Under The Sea,” where a variety of colorful fish calmly share the same ocean, and Wise Owl seated in a branch as if ready to read a bedtime story, could be the perfect opening for De Mario’s gift of storytelling.
Her talent for detail and Pointillism is evident in the colorfully intentional dots and strokes that compose whole unique images.
“I’m particularly drawn to Pointillism. I’m fascinated by how individual dots of color come together to form a complete image, much like how small moments and experiences shape a larger story. It reflects my approach to creativity; building something meaningful through layers, patience and intention.”
Born in Milan, Italy, De Mario inherited a creative gene that is channeled through a variety of talents all melding into one artistic soul.
Her artistic path began at the age of 6 when she would paint and add stories to her own cartoon characters, often sharing them with her parents for their enjoyment. Her father began painting in his 60s, eventually exhibiting in New York City, and her mother was a cartoonist who encouraged her daughter’s imagination.
“I feel a deep connection between my work and my heritage. One of my paternal ancestors, Carlo Chiostri, was the original illustrator of Pinocchio. Knowing this has had a profound influence on my creative path,” says De Mario.
“When I read about Chiostri, I feel a reflection of myself, sitting at my desk, immersed in a world of imagination, just as he did in the late 1800s. It’s as though his creative spirit has been passed down through generations, shaping who I am as an artist today.”
In addition to teaching classes at the Vero Beach Museum of Art and the Vero Beach Art Club, De Mario is co-founder of Florida Art Chix Gallery with her dear friend and fellow artist Judy Burgarella. The venture began as casual podcasts from their homes, enjoying a glass of wine, discussing art, and promoting local artists and exhibits purely for the fun of it. As their audience increased and their passion grew, they eventually decided to open their own gallery.
“Judy and I have come full circle. Today, we’re at a wonderful location where we continue to support local artists, offer classes and, of course, keep our podcast alive with a dedicated space for our shows, inviting local artists to rent a space and show their work.”
De Mario’s joyful approach to life has made her into a Renaissance woman who enjoys creating cartoons, painting, authoring, filmmaking, teaching, and advocating for peaceful coexistence. In her spare time, De Mario values quiet poolside relaxation, reading and spending time with her husband.
“Whatever I was as a little girl, is still here. Camy, the child, is still here.”
Photos by Joshua Kodis
