Article by Melodie Yvonne Ramey
Images courtesy of Cameron Schuyler
MONTEREY, CA – I’ll have to admit that until recently I was unaware of California Roots. I found my path there by following my love for one of my favorite bands, Dirty Heads. I heard they would be playing the giant festival in May, along with many more of my favorite bands, and I quickly bought tickets. I didn’t know of the nature of the jubilee until after the plans were set in stone.
I quickly learned that California Roots is not just a music festival. It’s true what they advertise. It IS a movement. The music line up is spectacular, of course, but now that I know more about it I find I’m not just eager for the music. It’s the whole experience that I’m enthusiastically anticipating. I’m amazed at the light and love surrounding every aspect. It’s not about pushing a brand or making money. It’s about sharing a big Caliroots hug with the world.
Caliroots includes everyone, and creates opportunities to help guests arrive with tickets in hand. They post helpful hints about places to stay and where to find transportation. They have contests giving away tickets for free, as well as contests for people that want to try their talents. I found the Wild Card Live Painting Contest to be one of the most interesting of these competitions so far.
I’ve always admired live artists of all kinds. Creating in front of a crowd is awe-inspiring! Many talented painters threw their hats into the ring, and the public chose a winner. That lucky victor, and the artist I voted for that I can’t wait to see in action, is Cameron Schuyler.

I first became introduced to Cameron’s artwork in the same manner I became acquainted with Caliroots. I followed my love of Dirty Heads, and found Wicked and Wylee. Just like California Roots is more than a festival, I learned that Wicked and Wylee is more than a fan club. It’s a family.

I saw Cameron’s work immediately upon joining because he designed the beautiful Wicked and Wylee logo. The Wicked and Wylee logo incorporates the octopus, a common symbol in the DH community, with other imagery that makes it appealing to not just people in the group, but individuals everywhere. The symbol resonates loudly not only with Dirty Heads fans, but lovers of sea creatures, avid Cthulhu fans, and many, many more.

When Cameron offered the logo for sale on a shirt I had to have one. I ordered it, and began wearing it right away. Since that day I have been accosted on numerous occasions by individuals that have never even heard of Dirty Heads, but want my shirt. The best thing, though, is no matter where I am if I see someone else wearing Cameron’s design I know they are family.

Cameron barely made a cent for that logo or all of the shirts he made for the wylees. He just did it to make people happy. He even took care to make sure there were a few extra on hand to give to those that may be down on their luck. He also donated a generous portion out of the tiny bit of money he did make to the Cystic Fibrosis foundation each time he did a print run.
Throughout the time that I have been a wylee I have been blessed to get to see other pieces of Cameron’s art as he shares it online. I have seen his extraordinary talent, and I have also got to see that he is a fantastic human being. He has a beautiful wife and children that he would do anything for, and he is always there to give an encouraging word for anyone that’s down.
When I saw that Cameron had entered the live painting contest for California Roots I put my vote in immediately. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen someone deserve to win something this much. Cameron’s artwork transcends genres, and helps bring people together from all across the nation. I’ve seen Cameron bring beauty and peace to help a small group of strangers become a family. I can’t wait to meet him in person, and see what he and his fantastic imagination bring to this epic gathering of humanity at California Roots 2015.
For more information and to follow Cameron’s work:
Website: cameronschuyler.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CamsArt
Instagram: https://instagram.com/cameron_schuyler
Behance: https://www.behance.net/cameronschuyler

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Photo and video footage shot for Photographic Melodie by Melodie Yvonne Ramey. Shot with Nikon D800E
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Categories: Concerts & Events, Concerts & Events 2015, Interesting Tidbits, Melodie Yvonne, News and Stuff, Reviews