We recently connected with Christopher Coryat and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Christopher, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

Hey, thanks so much, I’m really excited to share the awesome things we’re doing. In the heart of Coney Island, a house stands as a cornerstone for Art Hoes United. This space serves multiple roles – a studio, a creative hub, a sanctuary for free thinkers, and a wellspring of inspiration.

Previously, this two-family house was a haven for single mothers, providing them with a nurturing environment to raise their children while they navigated the challenges of life. However, over the many years of wear and tear the house was left vacant. Appliances, walls, doors, ceilings – everything had to be demolished and discarded. This marked the commencement of my transformative journey.

Over the course of two years, I undertook the task of reconstructing this space. The process involved erecting new walls, replacing windows and doors, installing new flooring, crafting a kitchen, creating bedrooms, and setting up storage units for tools and materials.

My vision was to transform this house into a vibrant creative workspace. At the time, my art collective, WUMBO, was operating out of our Dumbo studio until the escalating rental costs became unsustainable. With two floors at my disposal, I decided to lease the bedrooms exclusively to creatives, while maintaining the rest of the house as a dynamic workspace.

This project is aptly titled “The House”.

What makes this project meaningful is its alignment with the house’s original mission – to provide support, growth, and safety. Recognizing the lack of accessible spaces for artists, I sought to preserve the essence of the house’s original vision.

My goal was to establish an environment where artists of various disciplines – from dancers and producers to scriptwriters, sonic artists, painters, and sculptors – could collectively flourish. I aspired to create a space that I, as an artist, had always wished for – a place that fostered collaboration with other artists and promoted continuous learning.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am Christopher “Ender” Coryat, a native New Yorker and multi-disciplinary artist deeply immersed in the realms of film, sound, painting, sculpture, and beyond. My creative journey commenced at an early age, fueled by resourcefulness instilled by my Caribbean upbringing and ignited by the profound impact of Hayao Myiazaki’s “Princess Mononoke,” a cherished DVD “borrowed” from Blockbuster during my elementary years.

Since graduating from the Cooper Union, one of the endeavors I’m most proud of is my hand in co-founding Art Hoes United with my great collaborator Denver Crawford. Art Hoes United, or AHU for short, is an embodiment of our shared aspiration to unify and amplify the voices of emerging artists.’

Our vision for AHU transcends the boundaries of mere collaboration. We are committed to nurturing a community where creatives from all walks of life can thrive. By organizing curated gallery exhibitions and engaging events, we aim to offer a much-needed platform for artists who might otherwise face challenges in gaining recognition.

The enthusiasm and support that we have witnessed within our community have been nothing short of inspiring. Each gathering stands as a testament to the limitless potential of artistic expression and the transformative power of collaboration. In fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, we are not only nurturing individual artists but also cultivating a vibrant ecosystem teeming with creativity and innovation.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My goal is to make this wealth of knowledge more accessible to other artists. Coming together in a shared space, exchanging ideas, and collaborating on projects nurtures a richer understanding of the creative process. Through these interactions, one learns to consider every necessary step in bringing an idea to fruition, resulting in personal growth and a stronger grasp of the artistic journey.

Continuing my education has always been a steadfast motto of mine. Take, for example, a passion for photography and filmmaking. It’s not just about mastering the camera; it’s about delving into editing, exploring sound-scaping, and the myriad other facets of the creative process. I’ve consistently pushed myself to dive deeper into my art practice, embracing every aspect of creation.

Upon graduating, I swiftly found myself immersed in the film industry, where I forged friendships with individuals whose expertise opened my eyes to new horizons. Each person I encountered specialized in a particular aspect of the creative process, and their contributions were invaluable. They were part of a collective dedicated to nurturing fellow artists and expanding their knowledge base. The invaluable knowledge I’ve gained is largely due to my experiences in communal spaces with fellow artists. These physical locations provide a platform for artists to come together and exchange ideas informally. Embodying this concept of collaborative learning and sharing is the fundamental mission of the House

Art Hoes United embodies this philosophy of education and empowerment. By strengthening one’s educational foundation, we aim to empower aspiring artists to achieve their goals and become accomplished professionals.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

One aspect that often goes unnoticed is the sheer amount of effort and time management required in the creative process. It involves meticulous planning, numerous drafts, and countless scraps of ideas scribbled on napkins, tucked into wallets, or stuck on the fridge—a visual reminder to ponder until inspiration strikes. It’s not about sudden clarity, rather, it’s the realization of the initial step towards creation and the subsequent stages that unfold. How to begin, and continue to expand.

Personally, I’ve stumbled upon ideas jotted down on envelopes from years past, triggering a flood of memories and reigniting my creative drive. This instantaneous connection sparks action, propelling me into immediate work mode.

Yet, despite the dedication poured into each piece, the comprehensive process often goes unnoticed. I’ve had the opportunity to lead an art therapy class at a rehabilitation facility, where clients gradually grasped the extent of time and commitment required for artistic endeavors. They marveled at the hours spent on a single painting, realizing that achieving their artistic vision demanded persistent effort amidst the demands of daily life—walking the dog, catching up with family, or even actually moving the couch this time to clean.

When observing artwork displayed on gallery walls, pedestals, or performance before an audience, it’s essential to reflect on the artist’s time management skills. Every moment of our day is a delicate balance between various responsibilities and our creative pursuits. Recognizing this dedication is paramount; whether admiring artwork in a gallery or encountering street art, take a moment to acknowledge the countless hours invested in its creation.

Contact Info:

• Website: arthoesunited.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/endercoryat?igsh=MTh0cTc2ZDB5c3NhMA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr