It’s been long overdue but we finally had the chance to catch up with artist and musician Camila Leão. Chances are if you’ve set foot in Towson over the past couple of years, you have most likely encountered some of her artwork. We talked art, music, and how an artist from Brazil has been quietly (and colorfully) changing the face of Towson.
As a girl who grew up in São Paulo, how did you end up in Towson?
It is a long way, isn’t it? I moved to the DMV in 2019, and my first introduction to Towson actually came through Deirdre Akins from Towson Triple Crown Tattoo. At the time, I was working at a tattoo shop in Wheaton, not as a tattoo artist, just on staff—and a coworker connected us. Deirdre encouraged me to apply for Towson’s new painted flower box initiative. I applied, and to my surprise, I was selected!
That project truly kick-started my journey into public art. The Towson community has been so warm and supportive, and that experience showed me how powerful public art can be. I absolutely fell in love with creating outside of my studio.
When did you decide art was going to be your life’s path?
Probably in my early teens. I started going to punk rock shows, and that’s where I first discovered DIY art. Later, I studied graphic design at SENAC University in Brazil, worked for a mixed-media artist, and then spent some time in various ad agencies.
Who were your early influences?
My biggest inspiration has always been the eclectic folk art of Brazil, work created by artists without formal training, just people who recreate the world around them with imagination and heart. In terms of established artists, Tarsila do Amaral has been one of my biggest influences. She created her most iconic work in the 1920s and ’30s and is considered a foundational figure in Brazil’s modernist movement.
How would you define your artistic style?
I’d describe it as contemporary folk art—a blend of pop and folk influences shaped by my background in graphic design. My work leans bold and playful, often rooted in storytelling, with a mix of geometric and organic elements.
You’ve painted Towson’s flower boxes, created the Dulaney Valley mural, and completed a major project in Essex, right?
Yes! The piece in Essex was called the Essex Gateway Sculpture. It replaced "The Cube," which had been there for years. The sculpture was a collaborative project—artist Tim Scofield built the metal structure, and I created the artwork for the panels. It was such an exciting opportunity, and I got to work closely with the community to shape the content. A wonderful experience all around.
I’ve also painted flower boxes in Pikesville and designed bus stop covers throughout Howard County. But Towson was really my launching point—and a huge factor in my being selected for the Maryland Public Art Roster.
And you were part of this year’s Artscape as well?
I was! I worked on two projects: the Urban Oasis Project—where each artist painted a support column under I-83—and the inaugural Scout Art Fair. It was my first time sharing my fine art with a large audience, and it really boosted my confidence in pursuing that side of my practice. Being part of an event that reminded me of the major festivals back home in São Paulo was incredibly special.
Where is your favorite place in Brazil? How often do you go back?
I try to go back every year, usually in December and January. When I can, I like to line up a project while I’m there. My favorite place is a beach town called Boracéia, where I grew up between trips to São Paulo. It’s rustic, beautiful, and a huge influence on many of my design ideas.
Word is you’re also a bit of a musical force and still front a band in Brazil?
Yes! My band is called Futuro, and we’ve been part of Brazil’s punk scene for 13 years, touring across many states. We even toured both U.S. coasts in 2017. The punk scene shaped me, my values, my outlook, and how I approach creativity in everything I do.
What’s next?
The most exciting thing on the horizon is the proposed Ric Ocasek mural, which I just heard was green-lighted for a spring installation! As both a musician and an artist, it would be an incredible honor to contribute to a tribute for such an iconic ’80s figure. No matter where my art takes me, Towson will always have a special place in my heart.
Proposed mural of Ric Ocasek who spent some formative years growing up in Towson
Check out Camila’s website to see more of her work, her exhibitions, her press and her awards!
