Meet Courtney Brooks: Visual Artist, Independent Curator and founder of Journey of a Black Girl

We had the good fortune of connecting with Courtney Brooks and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Courtney, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
Habits that has helped me succeed included daily prayer, research, and consultation from a trusted source. My faith, inner work through self reflection and trusting my intuition happens through prayer and meditation. Creating a routine that highlights my soul care to bring fourth creative visions happens internally. Once a vision or ideas surface its time to research. Studying, reviewing , reading or experiencing the subject being explored is extremely important. We want to execute what you are focused on completing to the best of your ability. So seeking consultation , having a brainstorming meeting to ask for input from a trusted source, whether from a mentor, family member or friend, is encouraged . I believe two or more heads are better than one. However make sure your not just seeking validation, trusting your intuition first but also be open to modify for something greater.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a black women creative in Atlanta, the opportunities I have experienced has been tremendous. I am first an multifaceted visual artist that is not afraid to explore various mediums. From watercolor, oil and acrylic paint being my primary medium, I also enjoy photography. Mural projects helps me to upgrade my art scale is a huge confidence booster. My subject matter highlights women, children and nature themes. I would describes my art as conceptual, using organic lines with bold colors I focus on empowering black joyful moments. I use photo references mostly but enjoy pulling from my imagination as well. Abstract visions are emotional and come from me not wanting to wanting to waste the paint! My love for art led me become an art instructor, teaching classes up to 100 guests of all ages. Mobile paint parties and corporate team building events prepared to step outside the studio space. I enjoy live painting for charity events and using my graphic design skills to create for projects I am passionate about. When I began my curatorial practice, I started with my first solo show in 2014, not knowing that would led me help artists maximize potential and expand visibility in their careers. I am avid supporter for all creatives and share a passion to connect communities to the art. My artistic influence and experience has given creative direction for interactive art events and a curation over 20 solo and group exhibitions throughout the Atlanta area. In 2019 I opened as the lead curator and gallery director for ArtsXchange , Jack Sinclair Gallery and is Atlanta Art on the BeltLine 2019-2020 inaugural Curator- in- Residence. I am most proud of my current project now, which I consider a movement, is Journey of Black Girl . What begin as a public art exhibition is now sharing space virtually for little black girls and women. JOAGB is an on going creative project that defines and highlight imagery that amplifies black joy through narratives that are a reflection of our culture and communities. By creating programming that merges the core of self-expression, sisterhood and integrating everyday rituals and practices passed down through our ancestors. I believe the greatest way to serve is to tell our stories , through education, sharing resources to create economic relief through these stories.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
When guests visit me in Atlanta I am always down to share places and experiences I enjoy. Prior to the pandemic, I would automatically take them to The Sound Table of Edgewood and Blvd. No matter the time of year you would catch good vibes, but the summer was where it was at. Pretty Sweet Party , hosted Sean Fahie Brough out all the cool people in the A. The Sound Table served the best cocktails you could enjoy in our out on the back patio. I always like to to pop up on Dj Kemit. I love hip hop so to get my dance on I , also would take my guest to underground club MJQ. If there were any art shows going on, that’s always on the list. The itinerary would include Peterstreet Station located in Castleberry Hills, a creatives’ chill spot. Emef Studio Gallery and Store is the most recent jewel added to the list and while we we are over there off Krog st. we would do a mural tour though out the city and under the Krog Street tunnel into Cabbage Towns’ , to see Forward Warriors walls. For food, we eating at a Thumbs Up in old 4th ward, Im suggesting fried catfish, cheese grits and a biscuit for breakfast. We have to hit Get Bruch! hosted by Sean Faylon, where the pop location is. Felling healthy we are headed to the Went End for black owned spots like Tassili’s Raw to try my favorite Punany Wrap or Local Green’ Atlanta’s shrimp tacos and strawberry lemonade. We are hanging out in Little 5 points to people watch, grab some incense, music and books from Mood’s Music and have sushi from Ru San’s in Edgewood plaza. More spaces to shop , Ponce City Market to check out The Village Retail and for a relaxing self care day , Iwi fresh. or we chilling my people. Tourist spots, we are going to the MLK center and the Civic Rights Museum and the High. That’s it cause I’ll be tired.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
When I think about those that have contributed to my story , there are so many people , past and present to recognize. First of all, I give praise to the Most High, for all the glory belongs to God. To my ancestors, thank you for being trailblazers. My grandmothers’ journeys are guiding lights in my divine womanhood. To my late great Uncle Bernard, memories of you telling me to never forget how far I have come , is a a constant reminder to keep going. If I have ever said I love you, gave you a warm hug or had personal conversations about my development, this is for you! I am filled with joy because of hard conversations, unconditional love given from family and friends. To my mother, sister Shannon and cousin Chere, thank you for being resilient in all that you do. As women, mothers and wives, I see your magic. I give thanks for lessons and blessings you have taught me from day one. I give credit to black women who have spoken my name in rooms I have never enter, sharing opportunities for me to thrive. To my creative peers and mentors, thank you for the inspiration you share through your gifts. I dedicate my professional experiences to the entrepreneurs who taught me how to work for myself. Especially , my former boss and long time friend Damien Scott. It was his establishment where I gained confindence to venture off on my own. He told I can continue to work for him and follow his dreams or go follow my own. These word have stayed with me. It was Cloud IX Restaurant and Lounge where I formed many relationships that has helped me serve my artistic abilities.

Website: cbrooksart.com
Instagram: @cbrooksart @journeyofablackgirl
Facebook: cbrooksart
Youtube: cbrooksart

Image Credits
@timberhousefilms @stevewest @truththecreative