We were lucky to catch up with Courtenay Puckett recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Courtenay, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

If you are the parent of an “artistic” child, this is for you! My parents were my encouragement growing up, into college, and even now as an adult. Here are a handful of things they “did right” that set me on my way:

1. Words they spoke. Both my Mom and Dad were careful with their words not to tear down what I was interested in, but instead they recognized my interests and encouraged conversations to help me learn and grow. When I made something, oftentimes I was my worst critic. My parents’ patient affirmations helped to silence my doubts and worries along the way. If they didn’t understand what I had made, they said, “Tell me about what you’ve made” instead of making wrong assumptions.

2. Materials. My Mom in particular had a knack for finding new and different art supplies for me to try. At Christmas and birthdays, and even now into adulthood, I always look forward to her gifts! This has been a huge blessing to me for a number of reasons. Art supplies are expensive so I am relieved I don’t have to buy many myself. The second blessing in these gifts was that I got to play and experiment and try out a wide variety of brushes, paints, inks, papers, pencils, pens, you name it. Maybe that’s why I love Mixed Media now as an adult!

3. Opportunities. My parents sought out artistic opportunities for me to participate in. When I was younger, opportunities looked like art classes at a local community center. And now, as an adult, I know my mom still has her eyes out looking for shows or teaching opportunities for me to be a part of. Opportunities have also looked like performing arts shows mom would take me to. She’d buy tickets for whatever shows would be coming through our area and these helped create in my heart and mind the understanding that arts are composed of many disciplines. Each art show, concert, and dramatic performance I attended helped to broaden my perspective and appreciation of the arts. Arts are an important part of the community to both appreciate and participate in.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am originally from Lawrenceville, GA and I can remember from an early age that art has always been a part of my family. It was only natural to take art classes in High school and continue my artistic studies at the University of Georgia.

I graduated with a major in Art Education with a concentration in Drawing and Painting because it combined my passions: art and teaching. I also realized that as an Art Educator it was important to work and hone my skills as an artist. I am now married with two children. My husband is a Minister and I am an Artist. As my kids grow older, I find myself focusing on growing my family, following my artistic pursuits, and supporting my husband in ministry.

Artistically, I am a Mixed Media artist and find my inspiration in southern landscapes and spiritual concepts. My work can be described as contemporary, impressionistic, and whimsical. I use expressive marks and layers of fabric, conte, acrylic inks, and paint together in fresh compositions to create joyful and peaceful paintings. I enjoy working in series, for example one collection of work is a gospel narrative featuring ten paintings that tell the story of creation, the fall, redemption, and restoration. I also love to participate in group shows, to meet new people and build community.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish I had realized the wealth of information available to artists online. With all the advancements in social media, it’s easy to find professional artists offering insights and tips for other up and coming artists. Today, many professional artists teach courses, host workshops, have podcasts and blogs to share their artistic processes and businesses. Any problem you’re running into, whether it’s on the creative side or business side, is solvable! That gives me a lot of hope for the future. And It’s all at my fingertips.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Yes. My mission is to bring glory to God through artmaking. I want my paintings to invite the viewer into conversation about spiritual topics. Topics like finding peace, joy, trust, salvation, and praise all resonate in my heart as I create. I look for opportunities to speak about those issues through my artwork. At the end of the day, art communicates. And I want my art to talk about God.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.courtenaycreates.com
• Instagram: @courtenaycreates
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/courtenaycreates

Image Credits
Madison Hernandez Photo + Art LLC Shannon-Cambell Photography LLC