Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Houston.
Hi Courtney, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
As a Wardrobe Stylist turned Installation Artist, I initially began creating art installs as a way to control the settings that my muses were photographed in. Being relatively new to the Chicago creative scene in 2019, I was unaware of the plethora of art spaces that I could use around the city, so I made my own. I quickly grew bored with the standard paper backdrops used in photography, so ultimately I started making floor-to-ceiling creative spaces using sustainable materials, such as fashion magazines and painted newspapers, in the corners of my friends’ living rooms. This allowed me to combat the Windy City’s brutal winter months by having the indoor space to be able to produce vibrant images.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
With content houses or selfie studios becoming more prevalent, one of the greatest struggles that I face on my journey is consistently thinking of new ways to be innovative and reintroducing new spins on old concepts.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am an Installation Artist. My build-outs typically consist of an 8ft x 4ft x 4ft wooden and plywood structure that forms an “L shape” with a sturdy platform but can also be floor to ceiling, depending on the venue. Initially, I would use drywall to mimic the corner of a room but soon realized how heavy and unforgiving this material could be when wet or if punctured too many times. Thank God for growth because I eventually graduated to utilizing plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) to create collapsible structures with wheels that can be easily transported. After the build-out is complete, I typically cover the wood with a white base to have a clean surface to begin the artistic process. The mixed media that I gravitate towards incorporates a variety of acrylic paint which I use to draw out abstract shapes and inspirational words while simultaneously using various forms of unconventional materials to make one cohesive piece of art that doubles as a space for a photo or video creation.
I am known for being resourceful and creating rugged yet sensual settings that give viewers’ imaginations the space to run rampant and/ or produce unique content. Furthermore, I am well known for incorporating words of affirmation in my art which are meant to empower others.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Being persistent while still moving at my own pace has been crucial to my success. Being patient and trusting God’s divine timing has always helped me throughout my process to ensure that I am constantly pushing out high-quality works of art. As cliche, as it may sound, quality will forever be better than quantity.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.courtdinate.com
- Instagram: @courtdinate
- Youtube: Courtdinate
Image Credits
Ray Abercrombie Lawrence Agyei Tyree Williams
