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

Courtney, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

I have always had a love for anything creative and artistic. I discovered my love for drawing and painting at the age of 6 years old. My art teacher was so kind, always allowing me to come in early and stay late to help and learn all things art. I continued to take classes through grade school and college thinking this is great I would love an career in art. However I was told by many that your art work is only worth something when you are dead. It was a very discouraging assumption that I actually took seriously. I went through a few professions convincing myself that this was good enough, I can fall in love with this too.
Fast forward to 2020 during the shut down I decided to start exploring my love for art again. I took a couple online classes and set time aside to really dig deep and create a new brand for myself. I took a risk and applied to join my first gallery Wild Oats and Billy Goats in hopes to start selling my work professionally.
My application was accepted and its been the best decision I have ever made in every aspect of my career. A couple months in the opportunity to interview for a manager position over Wild Oats and Billy Goats had opened up and I thought now that is something I would love to do.
The last two years I have been able to establish myself as an artist selling my work and becoming the Gallery Manager of Wild Oats and Billy Goats. It has become my career to appreciate and help other artists sell their work and to encourage everyone to take risks. You never know where those decision can take you, and it is something truly special.

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 have always had a huge passion for painting. I’ve studied Watercolor, Oil, Acrylic, Pencil, and Mixed Media throughout the years, but Acrylic was always my favorite. I specialize in landscapes, seascapes, florals, and palette knife painting. I take commission request and my collections are available online at www.wildoatsandbillygoats.com

I feel very lucky to be able to sell my art where I actually work everyday. Becoming a gallery manager has been the most rewarding experience of my life. I have met the most creative people in the industry who are great to work with. I love being able to meet artists, hear their stories, see their passion on the canvas, and share the joy of a new collection or display. I think to myself how did I get so lucky to work in the best job in the world as I am constantly inspired everyday.
I encourage all fellow creatives to never stop pursuing your dream you never know what could happen because everything happens for a reason .

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

The best way to support artists, creatives , and small businesses is to shop local, weather that be online through Instagram, or in galleries, or at local art shows. The power we hold as individuals to help others should be utilized everyday. I have a deep respect for anyone who is trying to promote or create their own brand and they will always have my support. Social media is one of the best ways to market and support local brands. I have built my following using these key free tools, and its been a fun learning experience.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is being able to give people a different outlook on the art world. Someone could be having the worst day and they come across your painting and they experience the emotion of the picture and they can suddenly relate or you have provoked a different outlook on life. I love talking to customers and artists about the emotion behind the canvas and I would hope that my work could be that influential to someone . I consider myself to be more of an impressionist painter so the subject matter is always left to interpretation.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://wildoatsandbillygoatsdecatur.com/collections/courtney-patricia-carter
• Instagram: @ courtney_patricia_carter
• Facebook: Courtney Patricia Carter

Image Credits
Courtney Carter