Meet Courtney Trowman

October 17, 2022: Stories & Insights (Canvas Rebel) We were lucky to catch up with Courtney Trowman recently and have shared our conversation below.

Courtney, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I am a self-taught artist. I am still teaching myself and learning every single day through constant experimentation and a “I hope this turns out like the vision in my head” kind of attitude.

Even though I drew a lot as a kid, pretty decently, for some reason as I got older I did not trust my ability and I never took any more art classes. I became much more interested in collage and 3D type assemblage in my 20s, with random items I had found.

I will say though that I kind of regret that now. I regret the fact that I allowed my self-doubt to overpower me that much, that I became my own obstacle. Certainly, I could take art classes now to improve my sketching/painting skills (and I might), although I’m having so much fun at the moment exploring the unique niche I’ve created for myself!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

I’m Courtney, aka CC Bella Collage, a constantly evolving artist on a mission to create eco-conscious pieces that move viewers through a journey filled with magical intentions and surprise details.  My whimsical 3D collage art was born out of an inherent need for expression, a passion for art, yet the discovery that, like I mentioned, my talent didn’t flow through traditional forms such as painting or drawing.

Once my dance career began to slow down, I needed a new creative outlet, so I dove headfirst into my art. Gradually I uncovered my hodge-podge style – a variety of techniques employing upcycled and recycled items, found materials collected from the street, sometimes my own photography, epoxy resin, poetry and affirmations – to create one-of-a-kind multidimensional pieces.

The heavy emphasis on upcycling comes from a stronger desire this past decade to do what I can to reduce my carbon footprint. Whether it’s for a collage or a photography piece, I exclusively find the items that become my canvases second hand. Most of my paint comes from Starlandia Supply (think the Goodwill for art supplies) right here in Savannah. I aim for each piece to contain at least 50% upcycled and/or recycled materials.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

There are so many ways to support creatives.

I realize that much of our society’s consumer habits revolve around convenience and cost. Believe me, I get it! Instead of getting your home décor or gifts from big box stores though, consider your local artists first. Yes, sometimes the items may be more expensive, but that’s because they are handmade with love and intention over a longer period of time by one individual. I also encourage people to reach out to an artist they love about a commission that IS in their price range. Often, they will be happy to work with you.

Attend events like art shows, theatre performances, pop up markets, etc. Come chat with us and ask us questions. Then follow us on social media so you can like and share our posts to help spread our missions.

The reason I encourage people who wouldn’t categorize themselves as artistic or creative to come to these kinds of events and talk to artists is because I want to demystify the arts. I used to hear and still hear often, both in my performing arts career and in my visual one, statements of embarrassment around ‘not understanding’ art.

For example, my dance company used to hold Q & A’s after each performance and many times the first question was, “This may be a stupid question, but I don’t get it. What am I missing?” To which we always responded by asking about their emotional response; did they love the show, hate it, did it scare them, make them sad, etc.? They always had an emotional answer. It was the intellectualizing that made them second guess themselves.

Art does not need to be understood to be appreciated – it’s about how a creation makes you FEEL. As people come to understand this, I believe they will be more open to supporting and contributing to a creative ecosystem.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Creativity is a very outward expression of a very internal sanctum and process. For me that is what is most rewarding, the intrapersonal component. I’m naturally an introverted and introspective individual, despite much of my creative career being spent on stage. It is such a beautiful dichotomy and personal challenge for me.

Each time I put a creation out in the world I open myself up to external judgement and possible rejection of course, but also to the voice of my inner-critic…which oftentimes can be far more debilitating. Yet the joy I feel while creating and the consistent intuitive flow of inspiration (regardless of how my art is received) has helped to muzzle that voice.

I’m learning to trust that my work will speak to the right people at the right time. I’m also learning to self-validate rather than always seeking the approval of others. My work isn’t going to speak to everyone, but that does not diminish my worth.

I also love how the act of creativity has pushed me beyond where I ever thought I could or would go, and I look forward to continually accepting those challenges!