A collection of time from my mentorship with Camilo Pardo.
How we met.
Camilo and I met in 2015 during my sophomore year of college. One night a friend convinced me that a house party would be fun. Reluctant to say yes I ended up getting the courage to go. Not feeling social I found myself sneaking away to the kitchen. Where Camilo was talking to a friend standing over the stove eating a cold pizza.
I froze! Everyone who goes to the College for Creative Studies and loves cars knows about the infamous CCS alum Camilo. And I thought to myself “This is your moment when you need to say your 30-second elevator speech!” I panicked and once his friend left I just blurted out “Hi I’m Amanda I race Go-Karts, I have a 65 Pontiac GTO at my parents and I go to CCS!” Camilo shocked said, “Wait wait you race go-karts…you have a GTO?!”
We found ourselves chatting for an hour about cars, art, and design he pulled out his Sharpie marker took the now empty pizza box, and began to draw my 65 Pontiac GTO. Needing a change of scenery Camilo and I drove in my 2001 Blue Volkswagon Beetle back to his studio and we spent the whole evening until the sun came up watching Formula One and talking about drive lines on the track and art.
He invited me back and invited me back the next day and the day after that and from that day forward Camilo and I began to paint together and I was able to spend my sophomore studio class painting and learning from him. Instead of spending time on campus, I spent time in the studio.
The photos below are a collection of time from my mentorship and what became a friendship with Camilo Pardo. Nothing but cool cars cool people and an unforgettable experience one I am forever grateful for.
Camilos Anual Designers Night
Camilos Anual Designers Night
After many nights, long hours, and years painting with Camilo, I was finally asked to have my painting in his Anual Designers Night. This one painting taught me a lot and it was such a rewarding feeling. Many people thought it was Camilo's painting hanging on the wall and I stood proudly all night correcting people and seeing the surprise on their faces.
Camilos New Ford GT
Camilos New Ford GT
HBO's Michael K. Williams at the Studio
HBO's Michael K. Williams at the Studio
Sanoma, California with Camilo and Family
Sanoma, California with Camilo and Family
While visiting family in Northern California Camilo was working on a commission nearby. Camilo drove to the Solage Spa in Sanoma and spent the evening with my mom and I and then the next day Camilo and I adventured in his Ford GT.
