Today we’d like to introduce you to Kourtney Hay
Hi Kourtney, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Since childhood, art has been my voice when words fell short. My first artistic creation took the form of black Sharpie drawings on the white walls in my childhood home – a masterpiece to me but a bit too permanent for my parents new house. Yet, it marked the beginning of a lifelong passion. Painting started as a hobby, something I enjoyed but never envisioned as a career path.
In 2019, I began my college journey as a Biology student on the pre-med track. Immersed in labs and coursework, I had little time for art. However, the global pandemic abruptly changed everything, moving my classes online and giving me time to reconnect with creativity. Painting became my outlet during those uncertain times. By the start of my sophomore year, I made a pivotal decision to change my major to Fine Arts with an emphasis in photography. Why’d photography instead of painting, the medium I was most familiar with? I wanted challenge myself and expand my skills in new artistic forms.
The summer before my senior year, Roe v. Wade was overturned. Frustrated and searching for a way to express my emotions, I turned to painting once again. This period of deep reflection and creativity became the foundation of my current body of work. Those paintings led to opportunities I hadn’t anticipated. I submitted them to various art shows and was invited and featured in the Chancellors Art Showcase. While my focus in college has been developing my photography, painting unexpectedly became a powerful and visible part of my artistic voice.
In the spring of 2023, I graduated from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and a minor in Business. After graduation, I moved back to St. Louis, taking a gap year to focus on my work, host a solo showcase, and apply to gallery shows. In February of 2024, three of my paintings were featured in Soulard Art Gallery’s Broken Hearts juried exhibition. This opportunity opened a new chapter for me – I became a Resident Artist at the gallery, where much of my work is now displayed.
In addition to my role as a Resident Artist, I’m currently in my second year of the St. Louis Art Fair Emerging Artist Program and preparing to showcase my work at the fair this summer. Meanwhile, I’m pursuing my Master’s in Art Management from the University of Oklahoma, a program that aligns with my goals of supporting and managing the arts.
What began as black Sharpie on a white wall has evolved into gallery exhibitions and academic pursuits. Art remains my voice, my outlet, and my passion, guiding me through life’s unexpected twists and fueling my vision for the future.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This journey has been filled with both challenges and triumphs. During my undergraduate years, one of the biggest struggles was managing demands of studio classes, a part-time job, and my sorority commitments. Juggling the creation of work for five classes at once while also developing my paintings often left me feeling stretched too thin. Add to that the looming pressure of graduation, and my senior year became a whirlwind of stress and meeting deadlines.
After graduation, I encountered a new challenge: burnout. The constant push to generate fresh ideas and stretch my creative boundaries began to take its toll. Too combat this, I’ve started to prioritize taking intentional breaks between projects. These pauses allow me to recharge and approach my work with renewed focus and energy, helping me stay inspired and productive without compromising my passion.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My art has always centered on women, with a particular focus on their experiences and voices. My current body of work delves into the romantic dynamics between men and women, using these relationships as a metaphor for the societal impact of Roe v. Wade’s overturning.
Quirky, thought-provoking quotes often appear in my paintings, serving as the internal dialogue of the women portrayed – sometimes reflecting the thoughts of women in general. These textural elements add depth, inviting viewers to connect with the emotions and perspectives of the subjects.
The influence of Pop Art is central to my work. Known for its boldness and boundary-pushing nature, this style aligns with my goal of sparking conversation and challenging societal norms. The vibrant expressive aesthetic enhances the narrative, amplifying the provocative themes within each piece.
Each painting offers a unique portrayal of a romantic relationship between a man and a woman. While the works carry political undertones, they remain deeply relatable, reflecting universal experiences and emotions that resonate with viewers on a personal level.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My parents have always been my biggest supporters, and their unwavering encouragement has been a cornerstone of my artistic journey. Their home is like a living gallery, filled with my creations – from crayon drawings I made at four years old to high school class projects and the pieces I now create to express my beliefs.
Growing up, I created art not only because I loved it but also because it was something meaningful I could give to my parents. They’ve saved every single piece I’ve made. When I told them I was changing my college major to art, they were genuinely happy and excited – perhaps partly because they knew they’d be getting even more artwork to decorate their home.
They remain my biggest cheerleaders. They’re always the first to see my work, the ones who encourage me to keep creating and applying my art to new opportunities. They’ve attended every show I’ve participated in, even traveling to my college exhibitions.
Their unwavering support means everything to me, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without their belief in my vision and talent.
Pricing:
- 24″ x 30″ – $650
- 36″ x 36″ – $850
- 30″ x 40″ – $1050
- 36″ x 48″ – $1450
- 48″ x 48″ – $1850
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kourtneyhay.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paintbykourtney/
