Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Brown.
Courtney, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
Ever since I was a child, my curiosity has fueled my life. From singing, modeling, photography, writing, and even a little acting; I’ve always created numerous outlets to express myself. In every creative venture, I was able to find a common ground that helped me to understand the true purpose of my art. I learned that my curious spirit provided comfort to many. This helped me connect to worlds and people I never could have imagined.
After graduating with my Master’s degree in Sociology from Texas State University, I was inspired to make my art form more public, so I created a list of things I wanted to accomplish, and I knew I had to create a platform that would not only allow me the space to document my experiences, but also to help connect others through my experiences. Thus, The CX Experience (CXE) was born.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I believe my art is unifying. I take all of my lived experiences and figure out the best way to connect others. I believe the more we find similarities in each other, the easier it is for us to exercise compassion towards one another. I’ve seen ignorance ruin many of life’s sweetest moments so, whether it is writing, interviewing, or photography, I use my art as a way to express my own curiosity and to educate and inform others.
My most recent project, FlyGuise, was inspired by my constant interaction with my fiancé. This is the most time I’ve spent with a man other than growing up with my parents, and it has fueled a lot of curiosity in me about men and how they move. Considering factors such as social, political, economic, and personal lineage I was interested in how each of these things can influence how men, specifically Black men, choose to dress themselves. I developed this series to allow Black men the space to share the stories behind how they choose to dress and what life events shape the understanding of their personal style. From fatherhood, sexuality, ethnicity, and culture, there have been so many reference points that viewers, both male, and female, can find a way to connect to their stories.
As I learn more about myself as an artist, I want to continue to ask those difficult questions many people may never think to ask themselves. My dad always told me that most of the world lives their life unconsciously, and as a thought-provoker, I want that majority to become a minority. I want to help the world live with intention by increasing their understanding. My artwork is very personal, and it is as much a part of me as it is everyone involved.
How do you think about success, as an artist, and what do quality do you feel is most helpful?
I believe the most successful artists have the most access. Whether it be people or resources, expanding your network is so important as an artist. I understand that everything ain’t for everybody, but I do know that often time, we limit ourselves to certain groups because we want our art to immediately resonate with the audience it’s delivered too. I know that artists that want to be impactful have the responsibility to help those who may not immediately understand their work. By doing that you create lanes for yourself in a number of industries and allow more people to appreciate your work.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
Most of my work is housed on my blog, www.thecxexperience.com. My FlyGuise series is also connected to my YouTube channel, also titled The CX Experience. I am always looking for participants in CXE projects! So, if anyone is interested in participating in a project or collaborating interests, I am always down to work with and learn with others.
For those who may be interested in participating in CXE projects, I have two new projects coming up that focus on the topics of marriage and living in a United States capital city. Feel free to email me at info@thecxexperience.com to learn more!
Lastly, SHARE, SHARE, SHARE! People spreading the word is the best support I can receive.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thecxexperience.com/
- Email: info@thecxexperience.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecxexperience
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecxexperience
- Other: https://www.thecxexperience.com/flyguise
Image Credit:
TCubed Photography
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