Using art as a catalyst of self-expression, young award-winning artist Courtney Mathium Douglas is well on his way to becoming known as one of Guyana’s most notable artistic minds.
Born and raised in Bartica, Courtney obtained a Hinterland Scholarship (after graduating from secondary school as the Best Technical Student) to attend the E.R Burrowes School of Art in 2008. He graduated in 2011 with a diploma in Fine Arts and as Best Student in Painting, Drawing and Graphic Designs.
In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, Courtney said, “Art is my life. Every kid has a dream, and my dream was to be an artist, and I didn’t give up on it and I will not give up on it. I keep going because every day we learn something new and I am willing to learn and be successful.”
Presently, Courtney works part-time with local art group Bravo Arts, and is pursuing studies in the field of animation. He is the winner of the national coin design competition to commemorate the 175th anniversary of Indian Immigration in 2013. Additionally, he recently won the National Drawing Competition 2013 sponsored by Republic Bank.
“I enjoy painting, drawing and graphic designs. My dad wanted to develop his artistic skills but never got the opportunity to do so because of not having the resources. My dad’s story sparked my interest to get into art. I started to hone my talent from age 13. Throughout high school I won numerous art competitions. In my heart I felt I was fulfilling my dad’s dream,” he revealed.
Courtney said art helps him to tell stories and send messages about pertinent societal issues. He also gets to express all his emotions through his art, which has earned him numerous awards. In art school, Courtney pointed out, he was told that his art needed to reflect something he loves, and since a child he loved cricket and so most of his work reflect some aspect of the game.
“Apart from listening to music and swimming, I love cricket. I think it is a sport that brings different cultures together for one common goal,” the artist noted.
For Courtney, his art journey was not an easy brushstroke. Once he lost all his possessions, including his cherished artworks, in a fire. Although his spirit was dampened, he found inner strength from the experience, learning that the only thing he needed to focus on was to better himself as an artist.
“Now my focus is to keep perfecting my art because I hope to become one day an international artist. As I continue my quest to become a professional animator, my goal each day is to do better than the day before,” he outlined.
Through his art, Courtney would like to change the mentality of some who are bent on disunity instead of working together. He urged persons to work for each other rather than against.
“Racial discrimination is preventing our country from progressing. The litter problem can only stop if everyone stops littering. In order for something to change we must make the change first. We can pray how much we want but if we are calling on the Heavenly Father to help us we have to start helping ourselves first. Through my art I will keep sending positive messages and continue to let my light shine so that others will see and do the same. I always say, ‘Go where your heart leads you, play, run, lead and have fun doing it. Be the one to set new records’,” Courtney declared.
In developing the art industry, Courtney stated there is a need for more opportunities where artists can market their work to the wider world.
Presently, Courtney’s work is being exhibited at the ongoing Ninth National Drawing Competition exhibition at Castellani House, Vlissengen Road. Gallery hours are 10:00 hours to 17:00 hours Monday to Friday and 14:00 hours to 18:00 hours on Saturday; the gallery is closed on Sundays and holidays. The exhibition continues until January 18. Admission is free.
