We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Corey Godfrey a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Corey, thanks for joining us today. Has your work ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized?

During my college years, I was labeled as a “folk artist,” which coming from my peers who were predominantly focused on pursuing photo realism in their work, seemed like it carried a derogatory undertone. Fortunately, I did not let my peers deter me and embraced my unique way of drawing the subjects of my works with yarn. Now, 20 years into my art practice and I cherish the authentic path I have chosen with my art and life and am lucky to be in the mix with folk artists!

Corey, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Yarn captivated me with its vibrant colors and sense of comfort, leading me to embrace it as my primary medium. I found that by utilizing yarn, traditionally associated with ‘women’s work,’ I am not only expressing my creative depths but also honoring the strength inherent in a craft rooted in women’s history.

Drawing inspiration from my dreams, my work delves into the realm of memory, serving as the foundation for each of my series. Through a combination of 2D works, 3D sculptures, and immersive installations, I explore themes such as female sexuality, the fluidity of the world, and the introspective unraveling of my own layers.

I am happy to bring my passion for vivid colors into any space I am showing my work and I have always invited viewers to engage with my artwork through touch to evoke a sense of ‘home’ that deepens their emotional connection with my art.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Society has the power to significantly support working artists by actively engaging with their craft. This includes visiting artists’ studios, attending gallery openings, and directly communicating with artists. As artists confront a number of challenges, particularly with large retailers selling art of questionable origins, patrons play a crucial role in offering genuine support. When individuals make the effort to connect with artists directly, engage in meaningful conversations about their work, and potentially form friendships or make art purchases, it represents the most impactful support an artist can receive.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Every artist encounters the challenges of rejection, particularly when submitting work to the numerous open calls across the US and internationally. I have grappled with the sting of rejection, but I’ve learned to view it as a valuable part of my journey in applying for open calls. Each rejection serves as a stepping stone in building my experience and resilience. So even though my work may have been rejected for a particular open call, it still was viewed by a new audience. My ultimate goal is to get my work in front of as many new audiences as I can, whether digitally or otherwise, as I continue to spread awareness of my work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://coreygodfreyart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coreygodfreyart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coreyagodfrey/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corey-godfrey-moulton-97732821/