We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Courtney Senior a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Courtney, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?
I love being a creative person and an artist. However, it does require a lot of energy, consistency and persistence. Forget the business side of it all; just maintaining inspiration can be challenging. I have fallen into multiple creative slumps over the years, some lasting a month or two and others lasting nearly a year. And when you mix this with the demanding and complex side of business and sales, it can be overwhelming, especially if your bank account relies on it. For me, that pressure impacts my ability to paint, and that’s why I have always maintained my career in marketing. I also chose marketing because it’s an outlet that lets me use my creative abilities in a more diverse way. Regardless of whether I am painting or creating websites, I wouldn’t change being a creative soul over anything.
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 am a self-taught abstract artist located in Toronto, Canada. From a very young age, I leaned into my creative spirit, dabbling in the arts off and on for years. In my late twenties, I lost my father in a sudden accident and turned to art to help put all my emotions I couldn’t express verbally into a form that helped me grieve and ultimately helped me heal. Recognizing my immense passion for painting and the power of flow state, I have since pursued my art business while maintaining a career in marketing.
I am also the founder of Art and Found Day, a social movement dedicated to bringing joy and inspiration by way of art to communities around the world. The concept of #ArtandFound was started in 2015 in Toronto, Canada when I would leave free artwork around the city for people to find. Since then, artists around the world have joined the movement. Last year was the third annual International Art and Found Day on March 12th, with over 1400 artists across 51 countries participating.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
One of the most rewarding aspects of being an artist is the ability to transform thoughts, emotions, and ideas into artworks that resonate with others. As someone who started painting as a way to deal with anxiety, this is even more meaningful to me. My story and my work have not only prompted people to purchase my work but have encouraged others to set out on an artistic journey in hopes of dealing with their emotional challenges. Witnessing the impact of my work on individuals as they provoke emotions, spark conversations, and inspire creativity, offers a profound sense of connection and purpose. The continuous growth, learning, and evolution inherent in the creative journey contribute to a rich and meaningful life, making the role of an artist a uniquely gratifying and impactful endeavour.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My biggest focus right now is moving International Art and Found Day forward. Every year on March 12th, thousands of artists worldwide leave free artwork for local residents to find. It has become a day that highlights the power of art in bringing people together from artists supporting artists, to family and friends making Art and Found Day a day when they go out on an adventure together to find art. My mission to not only to put art into the hands of more people but to also help artists gain confidence in sharing their work with the world. I want more attention brought to the vast array of hidden talent in local communities and to ignite art appreciation.
Contact Info:
- Website: courtseniorart.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/courtseniorart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/courtseniorart/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJbh81jLS-WYmaL4a5AzBPQ
- Other: https://artandfoundday.com