Art, to me, has always been about more than what meets the eye, it’s about the soul within the subject. I am Courtney Gapinski, the artist and visionary behind C&J Couture. My work is born at the intersection of my two greatest passions: the disciplined beauty of realism and a deep, unwavering commitment to sustainability. Whether I am fine-tuning a portrait on canvas, hand-painting a thrifted leather jacket, or restoring the character of a vintage piece of furniture, my goal is to bridge the gap between history and the modern home.
I believe that every object we surround ourselves with carries an energy. In a world of mass production, I choose the "slow" path of spending hours on the intricate details that make a piece feel alive. For me, upcycling isn't just about being eco-friendly; it’s about honoring the history of a found object and breathing a new, elevated life into it. When you hold a piece of my work, I want you to feel the warmth, the heart, and the intentionality that went into its creation. My products reflect a timeless aesthetic, but more importantly, they reflect a belief that quality, handmade art is a legacy worth keeping.