Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Miller Bellairs.
Courtney, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey began in architecture, where I immersed myself in design and creativity. As the National President of the American Institute of Architecture Students, I developed a passion for leadership and the practice of Design. This foundation led me to pursue a Master of Architecture degree at Yale, an experience that deepened my understanding of the built environment and conceptual exploration.
At graduation, I was honored with an award for ‘Art and Architecture,’ which provided me the opportunity to take a break from my architecture job in London. I seized this moment to create my first solo show, diving into the joy of painting every day. It was there that I discovered my happy place.
Since then, I’ve balanced a fulfilling career of teaching and painting. My path has included leadership roles, but it has also embraced periods of solitude in my studio. Family life plays a significant role in my journey; my husband has been an unwavering source of support. When I was offered an academic leadership position at a creative university in Atlanta, he encouraged me to take the leap, reminding me that we could explore this new chapter together. Luckily his architecture firm in Minnesota was willing to let him work remotely.
Through it all, I’ve learned that the intersections of art, architecture, and family create a rich tapestry that defines my life and work.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey hasn’t always been smooth. I’ve grappled with the challenges of not having a steady income, which often brought uncertainty. Working from home over the years presented its own difficulties, particularly since I didn’t always have a separate studio space. Additionally, moving from city to city has proven to be more complex than I anticipated, requiring constant adaptation and resilience. Each move feels like starting over—with new friends, contacts, and venues to share my work.
I once believed that the internet would easily connect me with friends and clients around the world, but I’ve learned that, as an artist, building those connections takes more effort than I expected.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am known for my watercolor paintings and have a deep love for oil painting as well. Recently, I’ve begun creating assemblages and relief sculptures that serve as backdrops for my paintings—almost like stage sets for the characters that inhabit them. My latest exploration involves crafting physical relief sculptures that hang on the wall, inspired by architectural concepts and ideas.
My work often includes artifacts that enhance my teaching, as I enjoy understanding the effort and time it takes to build something. This empathy allows me to guide my students toward success. I specialize in watercolor, oil, and model-building, frequently designing in model form. As a lover of color, my creations are influenced by design and architecture, often resulting in abstract interpretations of real-life situations or scenes. I’m captivated by the layering and interplay of colors, light, and materials in the built environment, even when it’s in a state of dereliction.
I take great pride in my ability to blend my architectural background with my passion for painting. This fusion enables me to approach my artwork with a unique perspective, considering both aesthetics and the spatial elements that shape how people experience art.
What truly sets me apart is my commitment to teaching and sharing my knowledge. I’ve been told that I excel equally as an artist and a teacher. I believe in the transformative power of creativity and strive to inspire my students to find their own voices. This dual role enriches my work and fuels my passion every day.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
The quality I feel is most important in my work and teaching is empathy. Empathy allows me to connect with my students and understand their unique perspectives, challenges, and creative aspirations. It helps me appreciate the effort involved in the artistic process and the emotional journey that comes with it.
In my art, empathy translates into a sensitivity to the spaces I create and the stories I tell. It drives my exploration of how architectural elements and personal experiences intersect, enabling me to convey deeper meanings in my paintings and sculptures.
Alongside empathy, I believe that hard work is crucial. Listening to others and being organized enhances my teaching and artistic practice. Additionally, cultivating a sense of fearlessness is essential; having faith in the process allows me to push forward, knowing that many aspects are beyond my control. This mindset helps me give my best, even in the face of uncertainty.
Ultimately, I believe that empathy, diligence, and resilience enrich the creative process and strengthen the bonds we share as artists and educators.
Pricing:
- Watercolors: $495. +
- Oil Paintings: $795. +
- Limited Edition Prints: $150. +
- Textile works and Models: $995. +
- Commissions Available.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.courtneymillerbellairs.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtney_miller_bellairs/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/courtneymillerbellairsartist/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneymillerbellairs/
Image Credits
Courtney Miller Bellairs for headshop with red background – Rodrigo Lellis
