Hi, I’m Olive Kemp, but most people just call me Liv. I’m a junior at the University of Mary Washington, where I’m double majoring in Studio Art and Historic Preservation. It might seem like an unusual combination at first, but for me, it feels completely right. I’ve always loved creating things with my hands, whether that’s drawing, painting, or working with different materials. At the same time, I’ve been fascinated by old buildings, forgotten places, and the stories that live inside them. Studying both fields allows me to explore the past while expressing myself in the present.

I’m originally from Midlothian, Texas, a small town just southwest of Dallas. Growing up there shaped a lot of who I am. I spent a lot of time outside, learned to enjoy a slower pace of life, and developed an appreciation for quiet moments. That calm, grounded feeling is something I still try to carry with me, whether I’m sitting on campus under a tree or watching waves roll in at the beach.

I chose to study art because it’s something I’ve been doing for as long as I can remember. Even as a kid, I was always drawing with whatever I had, usually just a pencil and paper. Making art has always helped me express how I see the world and how I feel about it. One of my biggest inspirations is Claude Monet. His impressionist style and the way he captured light, color, and mood really speaks to me. His work feels peaceful, natural, and full of emotion, which is something I try to reflect in my own art too.

Outside of school, I love being active and outdoors. Surfing is one of my favorite things to do whenever I can get to the ocean. It’s freeing, challenging, and deeply peaceful all at once. I also roller-skate, which has become both a fun hobby and a way to clear my head. There’s something joyful about just putting on skates and letting yourself move. And honestly, one of my favorite ways to spend time is just sitting outside, whether I’m journaling, sketching, or simply listening to the wind.

I’ve always been someone who notices details. The way light hits an old building, the color of the sky just before sunset, the texture of a worn-out sign. Those small things inspire me creatively and personally. In both art and preservation, I’m drawn to the idea of honoring where we’ve come from and imagining where we’re going. I believe that beauty exists in both the new and the old, and I want to spend my life working somewhere in between.

Thanks for taking the time to learn a little about me. I’m excited about what’s ahead, and I’m always looking for new ways to connect, create, and keep exploring.

Liv