Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Gatewood.
Hi Courtney, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
The initial two chapters of my narrative are challenging yet crucial for understanding my identity and the journey that shaped who I am today. My upbringing was tumultuous. Lacking parental support, I often found myself in the shadow of my twin sister, who was celebrated for her “talent.” There were numerous illegal activities surrounding me, and without any support, I felt compelled to leave as soon as I finished high school. This decision led me into a marriage I believed was right, but after the birth of our three children, I started to realize that neither I nor my children were safe. I remember that towards the end of my marriage, I visited the Art Institute of Chicago’s Museum, a place that had always captivated my interest in art. For over ten years, I had refrained from creating anything, as it was discouraged, but this museum visit prompted me to reflect on several aspects. I found myself questioning why certain pieces were displayed in specific locations and what motivated the artists to create their works. This experience ignited a spark within me, compelling me to forge a safe and inspiring future for my children. I yearned for them to have more opportunities than I had.
I began my college journey at 29, navigating life as a single mother and a first-generation student. This achievement stands as one of my greatest sources of pride. Demonstrating to my children the value of hard work and education has been a remarkable success. Throughout my efforts, I have received numerous accolades, including the Arcade residency, magazine features, various awards for my contributions, a fellowship at Buchanan Arts, and a position as Teaching Artist in Residence with Friend’s Life Community. However, I felt the need to continue pushing forward for my own sake, as I have always dreamed of becoming a college professor in the arts, particularly within the graduate program at Watkins.
I embarked on a new journey and started applying to graduate schools. I was thrilled to be accepted into the Art Institute of Chicago, the very place where I felt my journey began, the source of inspiration for my dreams and aspirations. Subsequently, I received an acceptance from the Watkins College of Art at Belmont, my ideal institution, along with a full scholarship. This summer, I will commence my graduate studies while also anticipating many other remarkable achievements in the future. My hope is to motivate others to pursue their dreams or discover their passions, as we only have one life in this world, and it can be truly beautiful once you learn to embrace living.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the challenges I’ve faced is finding my place within the art community. It seems less welcoming than I had anticipated, and I struggle to locate a niche where I truly belong and feel secure. I am considering the possibility of forming my own community, one that embodies genuine warmth and appreciation for everyone. Currently, I have identified a few spaces that appear to be inviting. However, the difficulty of forging my own path without any safety net has been incredibly tough. Establishing a financial route has been particularly daunting. With rising costs, I find myself juggling three different jobs just to make ends meet. Despite this, it all feels worthwhile. I maintain a belief that everything will eventually fall into place for me. I am clinging to hope and trusting that I have made the right choices.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Due to my lack of experience in creating and the absence of support during my formative years, I often found myself questioning my identity as an artist when I first began, which was quite daunting. However, the encouragement I received from my professors and advisor during my undergraduate studies was truly remarkable. Although it took considerable time, I now recognize that my work often revolves around themes of safety. I have always been attracted to the concept of boxes in my art, yet I couldn’t quite understand the reason behind it. After conducting extensive research and producing numerous pieces, I discovered that this recurring motif of the ‘box’ was essential to my work. Ultimately, I came to the realization that these boxes symbolize safety. Having felt insecure for such a long time, this sentiment was subconsciously manifesting in my art. Once I began to truly listen to my inner self, I was able to pave the way for creating a sense of safety in my work while also expressing what felt unsafe.
Boxes are ubiquitous—found in screens, food, advertisements, money, and windows—but these spaces are not secure. So, what does true safety really resemble? I am currently exploring this through a new series that I aim to present. My goal is to complete these works this year and to exhibit them somewhere, allowing others to appreciate the boxes and gain insight into my identity as an artist.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I am always eager to collaborate on projects. The concept of uniting two distinct artists to create something extraordinary excites me. Feel free to connect with me and support my work through social media or by attending my shows in person. Truly, just showing up is the greatest support an artist can receive.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://courtneygatewood.com
- Instagram: @courtneyartwork
