THE STORY BEHIND

THE COMPASS POINTS HERE

SUSTAINABILITY

I’m constantly working to improve the sustainability of my pieces whether it’s using reclaimed wood, water based inks, or recycled plastic-free shipping materials.  Considering my materials and environmental impact will always be an important part of my business. I’m nowhere near perfect, but I will continue to improve.

PUBLISHED

Courtney’s photography has been published in Discover, New Scientist, Sport Diver, Scuba Diving, Traverse Magazine, The Boardman Review, Taste the Local Difference, and more. She has completed work for numerous restaurants, designers, small businesses, and charitable organizations. 

After college I was living in California with my boyfriend-now-husband, Michael. I started experimenting with image transfers onto canvas and wood in our little one bedroom apartment. I would cut pieces of wood on our teeny balcony. It was a fun project and I just fell in love with the process.

Fast forward a few years - after moving back to Michigan, I entered my first art show in 2013. I cobbled together some display screens and borrowed a tent. My parents and Michael helped me, and we camped in the U.P. the weekend of the show. I actually sold work! That show gave me the confidence to keep going. To continue finding inspiration outdoors and translating that into an art practice.

When I’m not working on the brand or photographing weddings, you can find me outdoors with my husband Michael - cross country skiing, hiking, camping, trail running, or just grilling on the deck with a margarita in hand.  I think epic outdoor adventures are awesome, but I also believe that a simple walk through the woods is a powerful way to connect with the world around me, and with myself. Thanks for being here and supporting this small business of mine!

QUICK RESUME

• Courtney Kent is originally from Ann Arbor, but now resides in Traverse City with her husband, Michael.

• 2010 - BFA & environmental science minor from U of M.

• 2011 - completed a publishing internship with Sport Diving and Scuba Diving magazines through the Our World Underwater Scholarship Society.

• 2013 - began photographing weddings full-time and participated in her first Summer art show.

• 2016 - co-curated the "Wildhearted" exhibition at Crooked Tree Art Center in Traverse City. 

• 2017 - began playing with screen printing onto apparel and selling work wholesale.

• 2020 - The new shop launches! March 1, 2020!