Check Out Cody Norton’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cody Norton. 

Hi Cody, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am originally from Elgin Texas, a small town outside of Austin, Texas. Throughout my life, I have traveled near and far emerging myself in the world from which I came. In my small town, it was all about raising livestock for the local 4-H Club or FFA, and hunting. Through my childhood, I raised cattle, swine, and one goat to help build a sense of responsibility and learn the tough lesson of hard work. Once I got to high school, I knew that art was my passion and I had to pursue it. With the support of my family, I attended the University of North Texas where I obtained my BFA in Drawing and Painting in the Fall of 2020. Post-graduation I decided to work as a substitute teacher, and while doing so I applied for Graduate MFA programs nationwide. After getting accepted to three different programs I decided that the University of Colorado Boulder was my best fit. With a Sculpture and Post Studio program with a heavy focus on environmental efforts, I knew this was the place for me. 

As an artist, I focus on what we do as a society that affects nature directly. And how nature across North America has experienced human destruction. Right now, I am focused on the direct effects hunting culture and trophy hunting culture have affected systems across North America. What species have been introduced to our native habitats purposefully and not purposefully, and what are these changes in the ecosystem affecting native wildlife at large. As of now, I am developing research with scientists and researchers nationwide trying to understand better what is happening. Once I gather enough material and information, I want to use my artwork as a bridge between scientific research and the public. I want to give the public a better understanding of what is happening in our ecosystems and what we can do to change that. In the next three years at CU Boulder, I plan to accomplish my future endeavors and go on to teach at the college level. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road at all. As a small-town gay man, there have been many challenges throughout my life. Nothing comes easy to those who oppose the norm. And I have now had the obstacle of being an artist whose focus is the environment. I was told by a professor in my undergraduate, Jim Burton, that an artist that focuses on the environment will receive the most criticism and as of now, I have experienced some of what he described to me. As an artist that focuses on one of the most touchy subjects as of now, I have received good and bad responses from my work. Skepticism of if what I am doing is actually based on factual evidence (which it is.) And others who think I am wasting my time on such a deep and confusing subject. But as I have gone on to research this, I have noticed nature and the creates residing in nature do not have a voice in this fight. With my work, I hope I can be the voice they deserve to have and can touch the hearts of anyone viewing my work. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As I was discussing my work has to do with vocalizing the concerns presented in the environment. I am proud to say that my work is the communication that is lost in the translation of scientific research. And with that, I hope my work can reach the public in a way to help better understand what is happening in our local ecosystems. As an artist that does help me stand out from the crowd because I am discussing concerns, not many artists are discussing in their practices. 

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Collaborations are a major part of my practice. I work with scientists, researchers, and even other graduate students like Emilie Luckett in the Art History department at CU to help me develop my work. With these collaborations, I am able to gather resources to help complete my work with the right tools and make sure my artwork is being perceived by the public in a correct manner. 

Contact Info:

• Email: cody.norton@colorado.edu
• Website: https://codynorton.com/
• Instagram: @cody_paints_sculpts