As a part of a new installment on our blog, we at Quarto are excited to share these profiles of our current staff members. Get to know Quarto, our staff, and what we’re passionate about as we each share a bit about ourselves!
Illustration by Sophie Levy
Name: Cameron Lee
Year: Columbia College, Class of 2020.
Major/College: I’m majoring in Creative Writing (fiction) and concentrating in Visual Art.
Position on Quarto: Art and Design Editor
Where are you from?
I’m from a town called Silver Spring, MD, just outside Washington, D.C.
What do you love about Quarto?
What don’t I love about Quarto? This organization has shaped my Columbia experience, and I would not be the person I am today had my orientation leader and former Co-EIC of the magazine (hi Alison!) not convinced me to attend Quarto’s September information session and see what it was all about. Being a part of Quarto has deeply influenced how I approach discussions about literature and art, and it has forever changed the way I read and write. Most of all, it is the people on Quarto that I love. All the members of Quarto’s staff are brilliant, talented, warm, incredible individuals, and I’ve learned so much from each and every one of them.
What inspires you to do the work we do?
So much! Maybe too much to put into words! I highly value the safe and welcoming space Quarto gives student writers to be brave and share their work with the world, because it’s terrifying to create something and then give it away to be judged. It is also so important to me that Quarto strives to bolster the literary and artistic community on campus. I know first hand that writing and creating art can be difficult and lonely, and the readings, panels, and events we put together are invaluable spaces for creatives to find, learn from, and lean on each other.
Do you have any pets?
Do plants count? If so, yes! Many.
Where can we find you in your free time (a lazy Monday afternoon, a cozy Sunday morning?)
Sunny weekend mornings are my favorite time to create art, so on a cozy Sunday, you’d most likely find me at my desk or the kitchen table, drawing or painting or doing something creative. There’s almost always coffee involved, and some soulful tunes. If I’m not doing art, I could probably be found reading a novel for one of my fiction classes, or working on a short story submission. In true free time, like during breaks from school, I mostly try to catch up on all the shows I’m constantly behind on and bake muffins with whatever fruit is in my fridge!
What else are you involved in/what are your other interests?
Writing and art are my main interests, and they happen to be both my primary hobbies and what I’m studying. I also love watching TV, reading, and listening to music, and I am always taking recommendations for new shows, books, and artists. Please send me some!
Favorite author/artist/work?
I could never choose a true favorite, but some of my favorite authors at the moment are James Baldwin, Carmen Maria Machado, and Jeff VanderMeer. Similarly, I love Kerry James Marshall, Frida Kahlo, and David Hockney, among many, many other artists.
What else should we know about you?
I’m not sure! I like collecting rocks. I’ve been watching The X-Files for six years and I’m only halfway through. I want to learn to read tarot cards. I could go for some mac & cheese right now. I have an art Instagram @artcameronangela that I use irregularly. Also add me on Goodreads @cameronangela and send me book recs. Please! I really mean it.
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