We were lucky to catch up with Courtney Salton recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Courtney, thanks for joining us today. Is there a historical figure you look up to? Who are they and what lessons or values have you learned from them?

Several of my recent artworks are inspired by female artist in different genres such as singers or comedians that chose to follow their dreams and pursue a successful career in an unconventional way. They embody courage, wit, strength, perseverance, and resilience. And who doesn’t need more of that inspiration in their every day lives?

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

I am visual artist trained in oil and multimedia with Andy Braitman of Braitman Studios for many years. I showed a strong aptitude in these classes each week and loved the challenge of learning new methods and application processes. This gave me the confidence to enter into a local invitational at Shain Gallery in Charlotte, NC, and was honored to be chosen for 3 consecutive years in a row to participate and sold several pieces. I have been on the board of the Guild of Charlotte Artists for several years and love encouraging other artists and connecting. I am represented by The Scouted Studio in Charleston as well as Chosen in Charlotte, Two Friends in Saint Simons, Georgia, Hampden in Charleston, South Carolina, and The Social Betty in Beaufort, South Carolina. I have participated in several shows and collaborative pops ups along the way all the while pushing my creative talents in my working studio as one of the many artists in residence at Dilworth Artisan Station. Every month we have a gallery stroll for First Friday and sell our work. All this to say, I continue to think outside the box as I grow and have found the greatest way to success is to collaborate with other artists, entrepreneurs, and small businesses. Helping others not only feels good, but generally will take you further than completely working in solitude. If you have a small business and would like to do a collaboration, please reach out through my online gallery https://www.courtneysaltonfineart.com or handle on instagram @courtneysaltonfineart.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I started my business in June of 2019, perhaps a bit prematurely. Luckily, I was scouted by a local business coach who guided me through the pandemic when stores and galleries were closing, my teaching studio in which I studied closed for a year, the shows were cancelled, and people were not able to see the artwork in person to connect and engage. Keeping a healthy mindset and surrounding myself with other artists and entrepreneurs going through similar circumstances was key to staying resilient. I have several series of koi, I think they remind me to “Just keep swimming” as the character Dory says in Finding Nemo. As I do, I discover that I often find myself in situations I never dreamed. Taking a step back and looking at what I have accomplished in a short amount of time aids in remaining grateful for the ride. It is easy to always be on to the next thing without taking a breath. Keeping your perspective is everything! Remembering with the highs and lows, “this too shall pass”. Neither the good days or the bad days will last forever. Tomorrow is not a guarantee; go after your vision today and make your mark on the world.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Life is not perfect; I had to learn that art was not meant to be perfect either. As an artist, I am an interpreter of moments, memories, and meaning in the world attempting to record the energy with my brush strokes in my paintings or with my exacto knife in my metal leaf multimedia collages. Through many of life’s challenges, I had to let go of the expectations to allow room for reality. However, on the canvas, I am not recreating reality, but more an expression or impression of my environment mixed with an active imagination. I find play is means to grow and and explore in the hopes of gaining wisdom with each discovery.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.courtneysaltonfineart.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtneysaltonfineart
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/courtneysaltonfineart
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/courtneysaltonfineart
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/courtneysaltonfineart

Image Credits
Sirena Singleton for head shot