About the Artist
Carolyn Camp
I have always loved the beauty of nature and am fortunate to have lived in a rural
community in central Illinois my entire life. At one time I tried to capture that beauty
by drying flowers. Once I discovered the art of pressed flowers, I began drying, not
only flowers, but also grasses, seeds, bark, and other natural objects. These I use to
handcraft pictures depicting animals, birds, landscapes, buildings, angels, and people.
I call my art "Petal People"  since the first pictures were of people. Since then I have
created horses, cows, sheep, dogs, and cats; birds such as hummingbirds, cardinals,
roosters, bluebirds, finches, doves, and seagulls; and landscapes portraying a
turn-of-the-century school yard with children playing, people picking apples, a
fisherman fishing, a family playing at the beach, children flying kites, a family
decorating a Christmas tree, and  children building a snowman.
I have been commissioned to create lighthouses, birdhouses, barns, the nativity, a
piano teacher with a student, a bride and groom, and various family groups with
specific details such as height, body build, and even hair color! I have been given
flowers from weddings, anniversaries, and memorial services to create pictures
commemorating these events.
In addition to enjoying the art of creating, I also love seeing the reactions of the
people who see my art for the first time. First, they give a fleeting glance at the
display; then they read the sign "Petal People." This is followed by a closer look at the
framed pictures, and finally, a grin spreads across their faces when they realize what
has been used to create these pictures. This is the best compliment I could get.  
I have been creating pictures since 2004.  People will often comment, "You must have
a lot of patience."  My reply - "I taught junior high for 34 years!" I retired in 2007 and
have been able to concentrate more on my art. I also take pottery and oil painting
classes. If this doesn't keep me busy enough, my husband, two children, and three
grandchildren do.