Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Trowman
Hi Courtney, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
While I was working as a professional dancer in California, working on art was a very intermittent thing usually when I was injured or on seasonal hiatus. Then my move to Savannah, Georgia more or less coincided with my dance career’s dispersion and I threw myself into my art completely. The artistic community here was very inspiring and felt welcoming, not only because of the Savannah College of Art & Design but because of other creative transplants like myself, so I went for it! I moved here at the beginning of 2016 and by July of 2019 I was showing my work publicly for the first time.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I feel very grateful that once I started sharing my work publicly, other opportunities quickly presented themselves. But to me, the road of the creative does not feel that straightforward at all, it’s more akin to surfing. It’s about staying centered and consistent while you ride and bite the waves… the feast & famine of sales, submission acceptances & rejections, praise and critique, and your own self doubt as you strive to evolve.
Some of the waters I’m currently navigating are wanting to stay multidisciplinary as I try to create a more distinctive voice across those different mediums. Also, pricing my art has always been a struggle for me because I believe in making art affordable for people while also honoring my time, unique vision and experience.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Even though I consider myself a multi-disciplinary artist, I especially love mixed media abstracts. I love that they are so subjective, they tell a different story to each person they reach. It’s an adventure each time deciding which textures and layers to either reveal or conceal. The majority of my work is colorful, bold and whimsical although I like to challenge myself with more subdued pieces from time to time.
I use mostly found and recycled materials both physically in a piece as well as for texture application. My canvases are always second hand, I love repurposing mass produced home decor that ends up in thrift stores. My paint also comes from a local used art supplies store or from a company called Tomorrow’s Artist, where they create high quality paint from recycled paint originally destined for landfills.
As I mentioned, I’m working to solidify a distinguishable voice within my work and I’ve been marrying a lot of previously singular concepts like traditional collage, resin, graffiti, and a deconstruction technique of which I’m particularly fond… I build a piece up till I feel it’s gone too far and then remove various layers to find its true voice.
What I am most proud of in my work is its authenticity, each piece is a honest diary entry of that period in my artistic evolution. It motivates me to keep making art for myself first, versus just what I think will appeal to others.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can work with and support me in several ways. One of my favorite things about Savannah is that it is such a collaborative city, not only among like minded businesses, but there is a lot of cross promotion. I’ve had the pleasure of showing my work in local businesses such as a plant shop, wine bar, optometrist’s office, and sustainable home goods/refillery store.
I’ve also become a Certified Therapeutic Art Life Coach, and have led workshops and brainstorming events so people can hire me for group events or one on one. It’s easy to get in touch through my website, Facebook page or Instagram profile.
Lastly, if you can’t afford a particular piece of art, I would encourage people to reach out to me with their budget because I may have something similar in their price range or we can discuss a commission. If nothing else, show your support by sharing artists’ posts on social media, word of mouth, and attending their shows.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ccbellacollage.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cc.bella_collage/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ccbellacollage/
