We were lucky to catch up with Sebastien Courty recently and have shared our conversation below.

Sebastien, appreciate you joining us today. Can you share an important lesson you learned in a prior job that’s helped you in your career afterwards?

I have learned many critical lessons throughout my career either during a previous job or a project I recently worked on. One of the most important lessons of all would be the ability to surround myself with people that I trust and look up to. Easily said than done, and most difficult to implement on a day-to-day basis.

I quickly realized that it wasn’t possible to handle everything on my own. My perfectionism and admittedly my ego would tell me to take care of every single step alone, from the design process up to the production itself. Because “we’re never better served, but by ourself, aren’t we? Not only is it wrong but counterproductive. Seeking advices, guidance and support from friends is essential. It is hard at first, but sharing a new concept or idea with a very few people that I respect before producing anything will not only save me precious time and money but also mistakes. Two minds are always better than one!

Now when it comes to the actual production, finding a person I feel comfortable working with and sharing tasks is key to smoothly develop a project and getting it done successfully. Most of the time the scale of my artwork is too large to be made by a single person. One of my mentors once told me: “Once you find someone who shares your work ethic, keep this person really close and try to grow together as a team rather than by yourself”.

A recent example I will share was for a large art installation commissioned by a governmental institution for the new US Consulate in Saudi Arabia. The art commission consisted in thirteen individual hand-woven panels measuring 1,5×9 feet each. Assuming I had enough time to produce it myself, I started working. Not long afterward, I realized that I would never meet the deadline weaving with my two hands. Fortunately, I found a wonderful textile designer who not only was familiar with my work but also mastered the hand-weaving technique. I put my ideas and designs on the table, and once we agreed on a budget and reviewed the technical aspect of the work, we quickly started our collaboration.

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?

Originally from France, I attended the National Art School of Paris in sculpture and painting followed by the renowned “Fashion Institute of Technology” in Textile and Surface Design in New York City.

I quickly connected “Art” with “Design” and created a concept embodying both in a decorative art approach. I founded my own Textile Art Studio in 2018 which recently won the CODA AWARD.

My vision of contemporary “Textile Art” moves fabric-based works beyond the category of woven tapestry into a more conceptual practice that embraces strategies otherwise found in painting, sculpture and architecture.

Using materials and components adapted to specifics demands, requirements and budget, I collaborates and works for interior designers, private collectors as well as foundations and governmental institutions embellishing both private and public spaces.
My artwork is “designed to stay” and shows excellent resistance to abrasion as well as a great stability to UV rays. In addition, the artwork is usually coated with a thin layer of crystal resin, making the hand-woven panel indestructible and waterproof.

My work was exhibited all around the world, including Paris, New York, Beijing and Dubai. Not limited to fiber, my work encompasses any materials crossing my way to invent contemporary forms of textile art. From recycled cables, glass beads to polyurethane thread, I work with a clear consciousness of environmental challenges. The large majority of my supplies and materials are recycled, repurposed or sourced from fair trades.

The collection “Totem, a Wall’s Jewelry” takes inspiration in the culture, natural resources and commercial activities of a specific country, state or city. Using only recycled and unexpected components such as tinted foil, rubber or 24 karat gold threads, the contemporary textile panels become a reflection and a visual of the community, country or region represented.

My approach is to bring my clients conceptual visions to life by creating artworks that surpass their expectations while staying true to my artistic signature. My concept of “Textile Art” offers unlimited possibilities in terms of sizes, colors, and materials.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Without a doubt!

“Artists” spend their time developing ideas, thinking about how best to turn a thought into a work of art or object. To create something meaningful and powerful simultaneously not to forget sustainable. Drawing, sketching, sampling, testing and re-testing.
There is no failure, but there is no accomplishment neither until we know our creation is well received by our audience, or appreciated by our collectors. There is no monthly wage, nor is there an hourly rate here. We do not count our days nor think about our 9-5 job and weekend plans. We work everyday without really knowing if our art will be rewarded.

Non-creatives can certainly experience stress and anxiety or even self-doubt, but they can’t possibly understand how it feels to have your artwork revealed publicly for the first time after months in the making. To put it simply, we doubt and question absolutely everything, from our concept to our ability to create, and indirectly our whole life. It is an ongoing risk, from start to finish. Ironically this adrenaline is part of the process, and is what keeps us going.
Being a self employed artist is not an easy path. There are many insecurities and a high level of stress but it is truly worth the battle. Being able to live from my creations and make my passion my life’s work is priceless.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Before starting a new project or artwork, I always ask myself three questions: How will the creation open conversation?
How will it’s design and technicality trigger an invitation to travel or discover something new?
How will the materials used in the artwork address the question of sustainability?

My creative journey is driven by the creation of works that redefine our notions of unity. My mission is to open people to a different way of thinking and simultaneously open conversations. I want my artwork to convey a message of harmony and highlight multiculturalism.

Last but not least I want to see “textiles” better represented in the art world. I have taken up this challenge since I opened my Studio. I want to demonstrate its innumerable possibilities too often underestimated.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sebastiencourty.com
• Instagram: sebastiencourty
• Facebook: sebastiencourty
• Linkedin: sebastiencourty
• Twitter: sebastiencourty