Camille Schaeffer: Creating through Exploration and Connection

Camille is a fluid creative who seamlessly shifts between different artistic dimensions—or better, a French multidisciplinary artist now based in Berlin. Her spirit is magical, and the way she embraces life and the opportunities that come her way is so inspiring. With a pretty broad background, Camille’s art flows from all she’s learned through the years, shaped by the experiences she’s woven along her journey.

C: I grew up in a small town in France, where the options for pursuing something creative felt limited. All I knew was that I wanted to do something that inspired me and gave me a reason to study. I eventually moved to the nearest city, Strasbourg, and chose performing arts as my field of study for my bachelor’s degree. Without fully knowing what to expect but trusting my intuition, I quickly discovered that I had found my place. For the first time, I felt free to express myself and truly be myself. Back then—and probably still now—I knew I could only pursue something I genuinely loved doing. It was never an option to pretend or follow a career that looked good on paper but felt soulless.

My journey into the art world began through movement. Performing in galleries and museum venues introduced me to the realms of art and fine art, which quickly captivated me. Later, I moved to Berlin to pursue a master’s degree in Arts and Media Spaces. The program revolved around scenography, the interplay between objects and subjects, and their connection to space. During this time, I collaborated with creative individuals from diverse fields—architects, digital artists, and 3D designers—broadening my perspective. It was then that I began delving into installations and interactive projects. My first project combined a dance performance that I choreographed with another dancer, within an installation I designed. I also invited a live musician to interact with our movements in real time. The piece played with perception, exploring what was visible and invisible, and I was passionate about its interactive aspect.

S: Tell me about when you first arrived in Berlin

C: When I first moved to Berlin at 21, the city felt like pure freedom. Coming from a small town, I didn’t have access to much—cultural opportunities were really limited. I always felt different and didn’t know anyone who shared my interests in art and culture. But the moment I arrived here, it just clicked. Berlin gave me so many opportunities. For example, my first job during my studies was acting in commercials (which I still do). Someone randomly stopped me on the street to recruit me! I had a similar experience in Strasbourg at 18, when I was recruited off the street for modeling. When I look back, I feel really lucky.

A lot of unexpected, seamless opportunities have come my way here, and I’m truly grateful for them. I’ve never had to question, ‘Should I stay or should I go?’ My motivation, curiosity, and proactive nature have always driven me to seize new chances. Of course, moving here alone, without friends, and surrounded by people from different cultures was a challenge. But I thrive on challenges; they’re my fuel to push myself. Every experience I encounter, whether good or bad, only pushes me further.

S: You said you don’t like laziness—I totally get that, I hate it too, but it makes me really hard on myself and I find it tough to take breaks or relax. How do you manage that inner drive without burning out?

I’ve only recently started prioritizing my well-being. In the past, I’d feel guilty whenever I tried to rest, as if I was failing or not doing enough. But now, I’ve shifted my perspective. I take more time for myself and make my mental health a priority. The hustle is still real, but if I can’t do something, I’ve learned to accept that—and that’s okay.

S: How do you handle your days in this context?

C: My days are generally well-structured—I always keep a calendar and plan my weeks ahead. Sometimes I have to adapt to whatever comes first and re-prioritize accordingly. I appreciate having that structure because it provides me with a sense of direction, but I also allow myself the flexibility to adjust when necessary. For a creative person, structure is essential. It may seem counterintuitive, but it actually gives me more freedom because it prevents my emotions from taking over the day. By the end of the week, I’ve accomplished what I set out to do. I believe that the more successful you are, the better you become at managing your schedule, which allows you to maintain a broader vision of where you're heading. It’s also incredibly motivating when you look ahead and see things you've planned, like a trip, even if you’re not feeling particularly inspired in the moment.

S: You said connections between yourself and others are a core part of your artistic vision. What do you mean by that?

Every interaction feels like a reflection of myself. I often recognize parts of me in others—whether through similar experiences or shared feelings. In every project I’ve collaborated on, I’ve learned something new about myself and how I relate to others. It’s helped me realize things I need to work on, like what triggers me or how I handle challenging situations.

S: From what you’ve told me, you really seem like someone who thrives on teamwork. I saw this quote about you: The interplay of energies and talents of fellow human beings fuels and enriches my work…

C: My first experiences in the art industry were on stage, where collaborating with other dancers and everyone involved was essential to creating the work. I never really worked alone, so collaborating always felt natural to me. It's not just about working with others, but also about being open to accepting help. In my personal life, asking for help has been a struggle, but in my work, it’s something I embrace more easily. The rewards of collaboration are so fulfilling that I’m always eager to explore it further and see where it can take me. Through these collaborations, I’ve gained valuable insights on a personal level.

When I create, I always start with a clear vision, and at first, it’s difficult to let go of that original concept. But as the process unfolds, especially when collaborating with others, the project naturally evolves and takes on new directions. I make sure to give other creatives space to share their ideas and perspectives. It becomes an exchange, and the project grows through everyone's input. Of course, it can be challenging, and sometimes things don’t work out as expected—but that’s okay too. It’s all part of the process

In a way, it all connects to personal life—learning to embrace change, letting go of what no longer serves you, and welcoming the new and unknown. Accepting that transformation is key, and honestly, that’s where the beauty lies.

S: Many artists say that once their artwork is out in the world, it’s no longer theirs—it belongs to the audience and their interpretation. In a way, it’s like giving a piece of yourself to everyone who sees it. What do you think?

C: It's deeply personal for me. I try to detach from my work at times, but honestly, each piece feels like it has its own life and energy. I can’t just view them as material objects. There’s this unique connection I have with them. When it comes to selling my work, I’m selective. If something doesn’t feel right, I simply can’t let it go. I trust that it will find the right home eventually—it doesn’t need to go somewhere I’m not comfortable with. I'm not sure if this is the "right" approach, but that’s how I envision it.

S: A few months ago, you shared an AI artwork, calling it your next dream-like project. I loved how you embraced AI, not being afraid to show how you use it, and even admiring its creations. It fits your futuristic vibe of being fluid and pushing boundaries in your art. What’s your view on AI in art?

C: I know many people feel conflicted about AI, but honestly, if you love traditional art, you can still paint—that’s not going anywhere. AI isn’t stopping anyone from creating in the way they choose. Personally, I love imagining where my art could go, so I use AI to design pieces that I actually plan to produce. But of course, you always have to return to the reality of how you’ll make it happen.

A couple of years ago, I didn’t really understand how it could be considered art—it didn’t feel like it to me. But in 2023, I co curated a group show at ARTCO Gallery with my friend Johanne, and she invited two AI artists. That was my first real exposure to AI, and I started to see things differently. I realized that a lot of the fear around AI comes from a lack of understanding. We don’t fully grasp it, so we assume it will take over and diminish our creativity. But I believe if you’re confident in your skills as an artist and in what you’ve accomplished without AI, there’s no reason to feel threatened. Everyone should be free to express themselves however they want.

S: What’s your take on the Berlin art scene?

C: I have mixed feelings about the Berlin art scene and the art industry here. The best part is the freedom to experiment—there’s so much space for artists to try new things. It’s not a traditional scene, and the art here is often unconventional and avant-garde. You can find things in Berlin that you won’t see anywhere else. However, that experimental vibe can also be limiting.

In Berlin, unless you're in a major or mid-sized gallery, it’s common to walk into a space, have a drink, and not expect much in terms of buying or selling. People are there to enjoy the art, which is great, but from a business perspective, it’s not always ideal. The challenge here is that if you’re not focused and open to more structured shows, you could spend your whole life doing this without really growing or leveling up. That’s the risk in Berlin. So, it’s important to stay connected with other places, understand different markets and opportunities, and find the right fit for your work.

S: What advice would you give to a young artist who’s just stepping into the art world?

I’d tell myself, and others, this: never limit the way you express yourself. Don’t let others' opinions or what you learned in art school define you. Everyone has to carve their own path—there’s no one-size-fits-all formula for success. It can take time for your voice to be seen and heard, and that’s okay. There are no shortcuts. We each have our unique identity as artists, and even if no one gets it at first, it’s worth pursuing. That’s your voice, and it will resonate with someone, in its own way.