Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Courtney Lund. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Courtney thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?

Looking back, I wish I would have started creating in my younger years. It wasn’t until I was in my thirties that I started to experiment with woodworking. I had this idea to make a hanging rack for my room out of salvaged materials we already had. Old barn wood and some salvaged doorknobs made up my vision. My husband, who I usually turn to in order to help me create something, was busy with his own projects at the time and I didn’t want to wait for him to have availability to help me with my own. I thought, you know what, I can figure this out. It’s not complicated, I can make this. I’ve always been handy enough with tools, being exposed to them growing up on a horse farm, so I took the challenge. In doing so, I quickly uncovered a love and a passion I didn’t know was hiding. By taking on that small challenge, my creative self was born.

I think often how taking a shop class in high school would have helped me along the way, but part of my creative process is learning from my mistakes. What works, what doesn’t work, plans gone astray- it’s all part of the journey and beauty of the work.

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?

As a stay at home mom, I was struggling with finding my identity. I loved having the privilege to raise my children and be there for them but there was a part of me that felt lost. My idol hands needed a job and I’ve found, for me, working with my hands is a kind of therapy. It quiets the mind and I am able to just flow.

After I made the robe rack for myself, I posted it to social media, proud of what I had accomplished! My intention was never to make anything out of it but it wasn’t long before people started reaching out asking it I could make things for them as well. I was shocked that someone with my limited skill set and lack of woodworking knowledge would be the one they asked to create something for them. I felt honored. I was challenged by being asked to make new things. I had no idea what I was doing and I was open and honest about that but I always responded with the willingness to try! What could it hurt? I found I truly enjoyed the process of learning. What worked and what didn’t. What tools were needed to fulfill the need. If I’m honest, I still don’t know what I’m doing but I know more now than I did on that first day!

My most popular requested item would without a doubt be charcuterie boards and cutting boards. They have quickly become my favorite things to make. My husband has a CnC machine, allowing us to carve anything imaginable into the boards. I’ve had so much fun experimenting with this as well, learning with each one.

I have found over the years that I enjoy making pieces the most when I’m able to let my creativity flow. Commissions are difficult for me because I don’t always feel that sense of freedom I crave. I think with most artist, authenticity is key and some of the best work comes from that space.

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

The most rewarding aspect of what I do is the interest others show in my skill and my craft. Being so new to this, I have struggled with not feeling worthy enough for the attention I sometimes get, the praise. Sometimes I see the mistakes, the things that need fixed or adjusted, but what I’m constantly met with is praise for my craft and the things I create. This holds true for most artist though and I believe is all a part of the process.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

There is no goal or mission that drives me. What I love is the freedom of expression that any type of creation allows. It is what ever you want it to be. It is the same for the one who chooses to view or purchase as well. That’s the beauty of it all. Being able to share my craft with others and have them appreciate it is enough.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @courtneylund_forageandcreate

Image Credits

Courtney Lund